Welcome to the LOTUS20 project. A purpose driven collaboration of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), donors, tech and finance, to create digital solutions for the underserved.
BUILD
technology to help communities survive, adapt, and prosper, regardless of geography.
ENABLE
NGOs to deliver greater impact and transparency whilst reducing operational workload.
EMPOWER
local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with digital tools to drive financial inclusion and cultivate self-sustaining local economies, fostering an environment where communities flourish over the long term.
Our mission
We are free
There are no implementation or service fees. All LOTUS20 technology, training and support is FREE to registered NGOs and local partners.
What we do
We offer a digital ecosystem called LOTUS20, to facilitate the provision of food, goods, healthcare, and education through approved local vendors and service providers (MSMEs).
As a viable digital alternative to cash programming, it offers households freedom of choice, whilst reducing program and compliance risk.
LOTUS20 handles all due diligence and compliance processes required by NGOs, providing sector-leading sanction/AML/CFT controls and processes, whilst digitalizing financial reconciliation and output reporting for existing NGO proprietary systems.
Improved transparency and efficiency delivers better program outcomes and ensures greater accountability and donor confidence.
We collaborate
We conduct regular design workshops involving field teams, households, and local MSMEs. Shaping digital solutions with input from users is critical to ensuring greater impact and supporting communities in adapting to climate change.
We are different
“The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that 65 million firms, or 40% of formal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year…”
Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Finance, World Bank
In addition to facilitating humanitarian assistance, the LOTUS20 platform serves as a stimulus for micro economies. It provides local MSMEs with a suite of digital trading, e-contracting, and reporting tools, fostering the growth of prosperous communities.
LOTUS20 is a supply and payment digital ecosystem designed to serve NGOs, households and local MSMEs in the most challenging offline environments.
Its architecture is built for large and rapid scale-up in multiple geographies. Simply downloaded from Google Play Store, LOTUS20 operates over standard Android devices – no specialist hardware is required, no smartcards needed. LOTUS20 is fully GDPR compliant.
LOTUS20 uses regulated payment service providers.
Reduces NGOs’ compliance and KYC burden while enhancing compliance controls and building capacities for local implementing partners.
Enables remote real-time tracking of verified programming output.
Allows for the adjustment of programming output to enhance overall outcomes.
Facilitates the targeting of specific local MSMEs, such as those led by women.
Ensures safe issuance and repayment of microfinance for MSMEs registered on LOTUS20.
Provides digital donor reporting and financial statements with automated reconciliation.
FOR NGOs
Offers secure and anonymous e-wallets, eliminating the need for ID or ID-verification.
Does not require any electronic device for participation.
Shields households from the impact of rising local inflation and commodity shortages.
Provides the freedom to choose any goods or services offered through the NGO program.
Allows households to de-register from the program at any time, leaving no digital footprint.
Presents an opportunity to build a personal record, aiding in the establishment of a future digital identity.
Allows targeted support for specific local MSMEs (e.g. women-led).
Facilitates e-contracting to secure financial services and NGO microfinance.
Provides automated invoicing, invoice settlement, and loan repayment processes.
Ensures prompt settlement of invoices.
Offers digital trading tools and sales reporting capabilities.
Establishes a trusted business status for MSMEs.
Facilitates cooperative agreements to secure better wholesaler/ producer terms for local MSMEs and local supply chains.
