Of all the emerging technologies that are likely to shape the future of international development, perhaps none is getting more attention today than blockchain. But for many mobile network operators (MNOs) and their partners within the development sector, it has been difficult to judge whether the significant hype around this technology is justified. Certainly, some use cases are beginning to emerge that blockchain technologies are uniquely qualified to address, but like any other enabling technology we should not expect it to become a silver bullet for every development challenge.

In this report, we provide short case studies that highlight how four blockchain platforms are currently being used to improve people’s access to self-sovereign identities, bring new levels of transparency to the distribution of international aid, and improve the efficiency of humanitarian cash transfers.