Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on CICO Agents- Uganda Report

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CICO agents- Uganda report

by Doreen Ahimbisibwe, Anup Singh, Aakash Mehrotra and Mohak Srivastava
Jul 15, 2020
1 min

This report explores the impact of COVID-19 on CICO agents in Uganda. It also highlights the strategies agents adopted to stay afloat during the pandemic and provides recommendations for policymakers and financial service providers to support these agents better.

MSC conducted qualitative research with cash-in/cash-out (CICO) agents in Uganda to understand their needs, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the understanding agents had of the pandemic’s impact on their families and businesses. MSC also sought to understand their strategies to minimize threats and maximize business opportunities in these trying times. The research revealed that most agents are aware of the pandemic and take precautions to prevent its spread but fear a negative impact on their businesses. The low volume and value of transactions have managed to significantly reduce their income. As a result, many have begun to use their capital to meet their basic needs. Our report also offers ideas for additional support to these agents and efforts to help them recover and enhance rebuilding efforts once the crisis is over. Read to explore the full impact of COVID-19 on CICO agents in Uganda.