Access
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 in Africa stand as beacons of innovation and resilience. Through a series of four webinars, Tanda Community Network along with APC and and Rhizomatica's LocNet initiative helped with capacity building and explored such networks' challenges, triumphs and how to support them in bridging the digital divide.
Community-centred connectivity alternatives are offering reliable services at affordable costs in areas left behind by large telecommunications companies. But their journey shows why rethinking financing for connectivity is an important step towards bridging the digital divides.
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.
Learn about the Portal Sem Porteiras community network, an initiative by residents of a rural neighbourhood who are promoting community-centred connectivity, local content creation and technological innovation in Brazil.
Recently, Hello World, in partnership with APC and CITAD, offered training on the Hello Hub connectivity model to community organisations in Nigeria. This process shows the power of partnership, knowledge-sharing and the leadership roles of community members in offering connectivity alternatives.
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.
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.
Following their participation at the 2023 African Internet Governance Forum, the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) identified several key issues affecting digital inclusion, expansion and use across Africa as well as recommendations for the way forward.
This paper provides a brief overview of the growing recognition for community networks at the international, regional and national level and the evolution of regulatory frameworks to enable their development.
Association for Progressive Communications (APC) 2022
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