Novissi - 100% digital cash transfer programme

Novissi is a 100% digital social safety net intervention that provides financial support to hundreds of thousands of informal workers whose daily revenues has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, and by complying with physical distancing measures (including a daily curfew) enforced in the country. Citizens register through a USSD shortcode on their mobile phones. Using a simple KYC process based on authentication via voter's ID, applicants who are deemed eligible then receive bi-monthly cash transfers from the state equivalent to 30%-35% of the minimum wage. Funds are paid directly into the beneficiaries' mobile money accounts. This programme ensures that the government can support the most vulnerable from falling into poverty in a swift, efficient way that also prevents physical contact. It enables people to be able to afford complying with physical distancing measures and to reduce movements to only the most essential.

Country

Togo

Institution

Multi-sectorial government departments (incl. Presidency, Ministry of Posts, Digital Economy and Tech Innovation, Ministry of Finance)