Coala Pay, founded by Melyn McKay, addresses logistical challenges in international aid by using Stellar’s blockchain to create a public aid funding marketplace and a weather oracle. With 15 years in the aid sector, Melyn saw firsthand issues such as the lack of ATMs in South Sudan in 2013, indicating a need for better financial infrastructure. Coala Pay utilizes Web3 to swiftly move funds to grassroots initiatives, ensuring donor money reaches local communities. The weather oracle helps target and preemptively respond to crises like flooding and drought in Somalia, cutting response time from months to under 24 hours. The Stellar Development Foundation supports the project due to its alignment with humanitarian aid goals, providing a welcoming environment for newcomers in the blockchain field. Melyn seeks to expand Coala Pay’s impact beyond Somalia, aiming to improve financial access in regions affected by heavy seasonal flooding.
