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 marginalized groups such as undocumented migrants, 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 undocumented migrants. The solution removes KYC requirements, reduces lengthy cash-based transfer (CBT) contracting processes and avails the retail sector to beneficiaries.

So far in 2024, the number of people reached (at the proof of concept stage) is 20,806 in Haiti and Peru. Rescue Card also saved 70 percent in cost saving. In terms of time saving, country offices saved up to 24 months to provide cash assistance by  triggering the Rescue Card Regional LTA. Once delivered, cards are active and uploading them takes a few minutes. In addition, 5,000 pre-paid cash-based transfer (CBT) Rescue Cards were  deployed to support 15,000 beneficiaries where government systems are insufficient, but markets are in place as part of the emergency response to hurricane Beryl.