The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with UNCDF, is providing digital cash transfers for UNDP’s flagship programme, ABADEI.

A recipient of a digitized cash transfer @ Care International

This project, funded by UNDP and implemented by UNCDF, assessed Afghanistan’s banking and finance sector, identifying 12 financial services providers to deliver secure and efficient digital payments for the ABADEI programme participants with the potential to transform the traditional banking and financial sector in rural areas.

ABADEI is a UNDP-led, area-based approach that offers integrated solutions for the recovery and resilience of Afghan communities from crises. ABADEI puts livelihoods and dignified jobs at the center of the resolution, boosting the local economy, restoring service delivery and productivity through community infrastructure, helping build disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing bottom-up, inclusive community engagement and capacities.

UNDP, through UNCDF designed a digital payment system with the ABADEI partners to transfer close to US$600,000 to 2,745 people in nine provinces of Afghanistan with the five intergovernmental organizations. The project is expected to include other humanitarian and development partners in adopting the digital delivery of cash transfers, ultimately supporting greater financial inclusion and interoperability for financial services providers in Afghanistan.

UNDP with UNCDF is working with Care International, Danish Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Norwegian Church Aid, and Swedish Committee for Afghanistan to test different digital channels, including credit cards, mobile wallets, e-vouchers and QR codes for cash-for-work payments, small grants for micro, small and medium local enterprises, and cash assistance.

About United Nations Development Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis and drive and sustain growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP offers a global perspective and local insights to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

About ABADEI
ABADEI is an area-based approach that offers integrated solutions for the recovery and resilience of Afghan communities from crises. ABADEI puts livelihoods and dignified jobs at the center of the resolution, boosting the local economy, restoring service delivery and productivity through community infrastructure, helping build disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing bottom-up, inclusive community engagement and capacities.

About CARE
CARE International is a global confederation of 16 members, four candidates, and one affiliate organization working together to end poverty. In 2020, CARE worked in 104 countries worldwide, implementing 1,349 poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid projects. We reached more than 92.3 million people directly and 433.4 million people indirectly.

About Danish Refugee Council
Danish Refugee Council is a leading international humanitarian displacement organization supporting refugees and internally displaced persons during displacement, in exile, when settling and integrating into a new place, or upon return. We provide protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance. We support displaced persons in becoming self-reliant and included in hosting societies - and we work with communities, civil society, and responsible authorities to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

About Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has worked in Afghanistan since 1999, supporting livelihoods, healthcare, and education in the most vulnerable communities across the country. IRW provides both emergency aid and long-term development. 

About Norwegian Church Aid
Norwegian Church Aid works with people and organizations worldwide in their struggle to eradicate poverty and injustice. We help those whose greatest needs, regardless of ethnicity, creed, political or religious affiliation.

About Swedish Committee for Afghanistan
The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan has worked in Afghanistan for more than thirty-nine years. We will continue to do so even now. We have more than 6,000 employees working in different parts of the country.