On September 23 – October 11, 2024, Ghana witnessed the official launch of the eArziki community financial management app, a transformative moment for the country’s agricultural and community finance sectors. The launch, part of the broader WeGrow project, is not just a technological milestone but a powerful step toward digitalising agriculture and empowering local communities. eArziki provides a secure, user-friendly platform designed to meet the unique financial needs of VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association) groups. By streamlining the management of loans, savings, and transactions, the app aims to enhance economic growth and financial inclusion.

Since my arrival in Ghana for the launch, we’ve already made incredible progress. In just a few short weeks, we have successfully onboarded the pilot communities in the Ahafo and Volta regions, bringing this innovative tool directly into the hands of those who need it most. The excitement and positive feedback from these communities have been overwhelming, and I’m set to visit the Eastern region next week to continue the onboarding process. This is just the beginning of a journey to reshape how community financial management is handled across Ghana.

The Role of eArziki in Advancing Agricultural Digitalisation

Integrating eArziki into the WeGrow project highlights a significant shift toward agricultural digitalisation. WeGrow, which focuses on improving farming techniques and community resilience, now has a critical financial component that empowers farmers and community members to manage their finances better. With eArziki, VSLA groups can track their savings, process loan requests, and manage repayments, all from a simple and secure app.

At CARE Denmark, our involvement has gone far beyond traditional project management. We took on the role of product architects, collaborating closely with developers to ensure the app was specifically tailored to the needs of communities and VSLA groups. Every detail, from its user interface to its security features, was designed with the end-user in mind. This hands-on approach and daily interaction with our developers allowed us to launch a product that could bring long-term benefits to these communities.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success

Launching eArziki has not been without its challenges. Balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders while ensuring the product is both scalable and sustainable requires significant effort. Afsaneh and I (including Marcus and Nanna) worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to keep the project on track, all while juggling other commitments. Despite these hurdles, the overwhelming success of the launch—especially in the pilot regions—has made it clear that the effort was worth it.

One of the most significant challenges was working within the constraints of limited resources. Projects like this often require more than just technical expertise; they demand resilience, flexibility, and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Despite these limitations, I am proud to say that we’ve delivered a product that holds immense value for the communities it serves.

It’s important to acknowledge that while projects like eArziki often face scrutiny, particularly around timelines and resources, understanding the complexity and dedication required is key. Our success with minimal resources only further underscores the hard work and commitment of everyone involved.