EMPACT
EMPACT is a platform connecting young people from food-insecure communities to the digital economy through blockchain and machine learning technologies.
Website: https://innovation.wfp.org/project/empact
HQ: Munchen, Germany (UN WFP Innovation Accelerator Headquarters)
Active Markets: Global
Problem Addressed
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the digital labor market is projected to grow to $55 billion with microtasks expected to reach $24 billion by the end of 2023. However, access to the tools and resources to participate in these markets is not equal. Over 170 million unemployed young people in low- and low-middle income countries, primarily women, refugees, and internally displaced persons, are unable to participate in these opportunities.
Project Description
EMPACT provides training and facilitates access to digital labor and microtask work opportunities for young people in food-insecure communities. Participants are trained and connected with online gig organizations, exploring opportunities to access new avenues to generate income and take advantage of Web3 products, such as crypto-loans to start their own businesses. EMPACT utilized the Celo blockchain to give students access to Web3 digital wallets. Along with a partnership with Corsali, a machine learning platform that makes digital microwork accessible on a mobile device, EMPACT enabled students to do microwork from their smartphones receiving payment in stablecoins, which were then converted to local currencies.
Progress to date
EMPACT has been in operation since 2016, with program activity in seven countries. 54% of participants in the program are women, with over 76,000 lives impacted across the project’s entire scope.
Business Model
Revenue model not disclosed.
Traction
To date, EMPACT has helped over 13,500 disadvantaged and refugee youths gain digital and soft skills training in Colombia, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, and Zimbabwe. In Turkey, nearly 70% of students were generating income through remote work after a year in the program.