Rescue Card/Zinli

When an emergency strikes, WFP can take up to 6 months to respond through with cash-based assistance, in places where there are no pre-existing arrangements. This instinctively discards cash-based responses as a viable modalities, leading humanitarian actors to revert to more timely and costly solutions. Existing payment solutions are also inaccessible to unbanked population, due to lack of compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.

Rescue Card is a prepaid, reloadable, pre-configured electronic VISA card linked to WFP corporate digital wallet, aiming to provide immediate assistance (72 hours response) to marginalized groups, such as unbanked population. It is a solution with flexible KYC requirements that reduces lengthy cash-based transfer (CBT) contracting processes and avails the retail sector to beneficiaries.

In 2024, Rescue Card reached 26,366 people across Haiti, Peru, and Bolivia, helping 10,470 households meet their essential needs. Rescue Card has also shown significant cost efficiency, with savings of 70% to 85% within the first three months of an emergency operation. WFP Country offices also saved up to 24 months in delivering cash assistance by triggering the Rescue Card Regional LTA, with cards becoming active and ready for use in just minutes. Notably, 56% to 68% of the cash assistance was directly distributed into the hands of women, with 80% of the funds used to address food-related needs.

Additionally, 5,000 prepaid Rescue Cards were prepositioned in Barbados to support emergency preparedness for Hurricane Beryl, enhancing WFP’s readiness for rapid response.