UK Government’s Digital Access Programme (former Department for International Development-DFID)

The Prosperity Fund cross-HMG 'Digital Access Programme' is a DFID-led partnership with FCO and DCMS. It aims to catalyse more inclusive, affordable, safe and secure digital access for excluded and underserved communities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia. Increased digital inclusion in the programme countries will form the basis for more thriving digital ecosystems that generate high-skilled jobs, opportunities for local digital entrepreneurship focused on country-specific development challenges, as well as potential partnerships with international and UK business aimed at mutual prosperity. The Digital Access programme will also focus on learning about sustainable models and enablers for digital inclusion. The learnings will be shared with key stakeholders and other partner countries, thereby amplifying the impact of the programme.

Work supported:

Link: https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/projects/GB-1-204963

Community networks newsletter: Why we need to rethink financing for connectivity to bridge the digital divide
Community networks newsletter: Why we need to rethink financing for connectivity to bridge the digital divide 25 April 2024 APCNews

This issue brings together instances that show the success of community networks, but also some indicating that currently there is a gap, and help from a range of stakeholders is needed in order to successfully support communities to bridge the digital divide.

Community networks newsletter: What changes when connectivity is rooted in communities?
Community networks newsletter: What changes when connectivity is rooted in communities? 26 March 2024 APCNews

By being rooted in their own communities and encouraging collective articulation, a community network can became a catalyst for rethinking digital spaces and build more inclusive practices – as the pieces collated for this issue show.

Five hopeful stories of community networks rethinking technologies from our podcast series
Five hopeful stories of community networks rethinking technologies from our podcast series 30 January 2024 Débora Prado

Can communities shape digital technologies in favour of their environments, cultures, knowledge and well-being? This piece present five inspiring stories from the Routing for Communities podcast showcasing how connectivity and the use of technology gain meaning from local demands.

Community networks newsletter: New year, new opportunities to strengthen community-centred connectivity
Community networks newsletter: New year, new opportunities to strengthen community-centred connectivity 25 January 2024 APCNews

This is the first edition of our newsletter in 2024 – and it brings encouraging prospects for community-centred connectivity. The year begins with new opportunities, whether in terms of open calls or spaces and materials to strengthen these initiatives through shared knowledge.

Routing for Communities: Podcast celebrates community networks around the world
Routing for Communities: Podcast celebrates community networks around the world 02 November 2023 Débora Prado

In November we are launching the last two episodes of the first season of the Routing for Communities podcast! This month, we travel to Thailand and Kenya to discover inspiring stories of pioneering actions centred on local communities. 

Including community networks in Universal Service Fund strategies: A step to overcome the digital divide
Including community networks in Universal Service Fund strategies: A step to overcome the digital divide 27 July 2023 Débora Prado

The Universal Service Fund – created precisely to subsidise the promotion of universal access to telecommunications services – should include community-led models, as recommended by ITU on several occasions, and advancing in countries such as Argentina, Malawi and Kenya. 

Community networks newsletter: Challenging the digital divide around the world
Community networks newsletter: Challenging the digital divide around the world 27 July 2023 APCNews

Welcome to the 60th monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks and community-based initiatives. In this edition, we celebrate these networks’ multiple achievements, discuss the challenges they face, and moot the kind of support they need.

Regulators from Southern African countries take a deep dive into community networks alternatives for digital inclusion
Regulators from Southern African countries take a deep dive into community networks alternatives for digital inclusion 26 July 2023 Débora Prado

A forum organised by the Communications Regulators' Association of Southern Africa brought together its member states to discuss the importance of community networks in providing universal services, and the policy and regulation measures needed to support them.

Community networks newsletter: Women connecting a village
Community networks newsletter: Women connecting a village 29 June 2023 APCNews

In this issue, we are inspired by women who are cultivating community networks in their regions. Welcome to the 59th monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks and community-based initiatives.

Community networks newsletter: New podcast traces community connectivity around the world
Community networks newsletter: New podcast traces community connectivity around the world 24 May 2023 APCNews

We are happy to announce the launch of the Routing for Communities podcast on 1 June. With 12 episodes, this podcast will be a journey to listen to the life stories of those connecting themselves while defending the fundamental rights and well-being of their communities.

« Go back