Malawi launches electronic coupons

Malawi Government has unveiled a new coupon system for the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) which will be tracked electronically to reduce cases of fraud in the programme.

Speaking at the launch of Zoona e-voucher platform in Salima on Sunday, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Dr Jeffrey Luhanga said the coupons will be electronically linked to a beneficiary and can only be used after verifying its validity through Airtel network by an agro-dealer.

“Rather than using the paper coupons where there is a lot of fraud, the e-voucher platform uses voucher scratch cards that are activated and redeemed using mobile phones.  Targeted farmers will receive an e-voucher to be redeemed for inputs at a local agro-dealer.

“The agro-dealer is assured of receiving the money for the goods supplied instantly. The e-voucher platform reduces administrative costs, promotes effectiveness and improves efficiency in distributing agricultural inputs to farmers,” he said.

The programme is being implemented in conjunction with the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (Aicc) with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).

Aicc chief executive officer Daisy Kambalame said the e-vouchers will provide opportunities for enhanced programming in delivery of goods and services in Malawi.

“Aicc promotes the role of business in building sustainable communities through facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships, advocacy, research, capacity building and innovations,” said Kambalame.

She said each beneficiary will get an e-voucher with a serial number to be electronically linked to the beneficiary’s identity and the agro-dealer can only release goods after verifying the validity of the voucher.