Biometrics solution by Ingenico and Paycode helps Zambia distribute millions in agricultural subsidies

Ingenico Group has partnered with Paycode to support the roll-out of a secure biometric solution in Zambia which has been used to distribute $22 million in subsidies to rural areas within three months.

Farmers are enrolled in the program by providing fingerprints, which are captured by a program agent, and associated with an ID for authentication. They are then issued a Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) electronic wallet to be used at agricultural suppliers equipped with biometric smart terminals from Ingenico. Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture adds ZMK 1600 (roughly US$160) to an initial farmerco-payment of ZMK 400 ($40) under the FISP subsidy program.

“This solution demonstrates our ability to support governments in deploying innovative subsidy programs rapidly, successfully and in remote regions,” notes Francois Voyron, Middle East and Africa Managing Director at Ingenico Group. “As a matter of fact within 3 months, 91 percent of eligible farmers have already purchased materials using the new solution.”

The program has enabled the Zambian government to extend funding to unbanked populations in areas of 30 districts in the country without extensive financial infrastructure.

“We are proud to have served the Ministry of Agriculture by providing world-class technology that works in the remotest environments,” says Paycode Zambia Director Gabe Ruhan. “We look forward to expanding our solution so every Zambian can have their money at their fingertips.”

Ingenico launched its new line of mobile POS terminals with fingerprint authentication in April.

Article Topics

Africa  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  identity verification