Nigerien people have extremely low levels of access to formal banking and internet penetration below 1%. Mobile phone penetration has increased dramatically in recent years but remains below 50%, with low levels of coverage beyond population centres. There is a high physical risk of moving money around and armed guards needed, which is why microfinance lenders can't reach communities because of the high cost.

The main objective of the pilot project is to bring financial services to some of the most disadvantaged communities of mainly women in Niger by developing a digital, blockchain-based platform for VSLA groups in Niger. The platform will build reputation and credit history, enable them to transact safely and securely, give them access to credit they can't get today, and open out new markets.

• A formal reputation and credit history for VSLA members
• Access to credit to grow businesses
• Cashless transfers to reduce the risk and cost of lending
• Traceable money to remove corruption
• Access to new markets
• Accrued wealth in communities
• Peer to peer transactions enabled
• New marketplaces created
• Android, feature phone and tablet ecosystem established