Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and the World Food Program (WFP) have partnered to launch a digital Food Voucher Programme in Tsintsabis, aimed at supporting vulnerable people in the Oshikoto, Omaheke and Kunene regions.
The program has been financially bolstered by the Government of Japan and aims to benefit 21,000 vulnerable people in the region.
The locally developed digital solution will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of registering beneficiaries and distributing food assistance digitally.
Each family will receive a value voucher equivalent to N$700 per cycle, effective from 31 March 2023, for a total of three cycles. The e-vouchers are redeemable at local shops, and beneficiaries have the liberty to purchase nutritional foods of their choice.
Erikah Shafudah, Deputy Country Director of WFP, praised the partnership between MTC, WFP, and the Japanese government for bringing the program to fruition.
“We are proud that the solution is locally produced, and it is user friendly for the beneficiaries,” said Shafuda, adding that the vouchers are meant for food items and should not be sold for anything else other than food for the vulnerable.
MTC’s Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Nawa Likando, emphasized the importance of smart partnerships in driving inclusive and sustainable innovations for society.
“Through this agreement, MTC is committed to driving an inclusive Namibian digital economy. Noting the digital opportunities presented by the 4th Industrial Revolution, it is imperative to bridge the digital divide by formulating smart strategic partnerships that will drive inclusivity and sustainability through rural transformation,” said Likando.
The Government of Japan has been a long-standing partner of WFP’s activities in Namibia, with the latest contribution bringing Japan’s total contributions to US$1.7 million since 2017.
Hisao Nishimaki, Japanese Ambassador to Namibia, expressed his gratitude to WFP in Namibia for making the effective use of the funds provided by the Japanese Government. “I hope that the contributions will help many people to acquire necessary food, much more comfortably,” said Nishimaki.
Namibia, like many other countries, has seen worsening food insecurity due to the global food price crisis induced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Food Voucher Programme will act as a safety net during these challenging times, providing much-needed support to vulnerable communities highly susceptible to malnutrition and food insecurities.
