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Togo Novissi - AI-Powered Emergency Cash Transfer

Togo, West Africa

Novissi is Togo's groundbreaking AI-powered mobile money cash transfer program launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program uses machine learning algorithms combined with satellite imagery and mobile phone data to identify individuals living in extreme poverty. Satellite images analyze roof material density and land plot size, while ML algorithms examine call records, internet usage, and mobile money balances to estimate individual wealth. The program distributed US$34 million to over 920,000 people (25% of Togo's adult population) using mobile money compatible with 2G phones via USSD technology, reaching those without internet access.

Behavior Goal

Enable vulnerable populations to access emergency financial support, reduce extreme poverty through targeted cash transfers, and build trust in digital government services

Methods & Approaches

Mass Media Campaigns

Channels

Mobile/SMS

Implementers & Partners

  • Government of Togo
  • GiveDirectly
  • UC Berkeley CEGA

Donors & Sponsors

  • World Bank
  • Government of Togo

Key Takeaways

  • 1AI and satellite imagery can identify poorest populations without traditional surveys
  • 2Mobile money enables rapid delivery to beneficiaries without bank accounts
  • 3ML analysis of call data records can predict poverty with high accuracy
  • 4Program designed for 2G phones ensures inclusion of most vulnerable
  • 5Model being scaled as blueprint for other low-income countries

Sources

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