With the global spread of the COVID-19, African has gradually become one of the most affected regions in the world. In order to support African countries to fight against the COVID-19, the South-South Cooperation Financial Center (FCSSC) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) jointly launched a call for donations through a blockchain-based platform Bithelp.

Through the donation, 250,000 regular protective masks have been donated to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – West African Health Organization (WAHO) to support 15 West African countries’ response to the COVID-19.

Against the backdrop of China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, this donation is FCSSC’s attempt to make use of the blockchain technology to facilitate international philanthropy and South-South Cooperation. Bithelp is a blockchain-based platform for fundraising to provide cross-border support in response to disasters and crises. Since blockchain technology has the advantages of decentralization, transparency and traceability, it will make donations more trustful and transparent.

Dr. Zhong WU, Director General of FCSSC, said, ‘the China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 was just closed. With the support of UNOSSC, we are very pleased to provide some assistance to African countries to fight against the COVID-19. We hope digital technology will play a greater role in South-South cooperation in the future.’