rural ICT4D
Connecting rural TanzaniaFollowing the initial rush of Information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) projects in rural Africa, many did not yield the anticipated outcomes, and interest has been dying down. People then began talking about “sustainable ICT” projects, in which it was understood that projects would become self-sufficient after their initial donor-led investment and set-up period. But with the use of mobile phones gaining in popularity, popular rhetoric ...
Getting connected thanks to Wireless This study commissioned by APC and written by wireless expert Ian Howard explores sustainable ICT and the need for wireless internet access for development (W4D). Intended to serve as a guide to members of the W4D community involved in African initiatives, Howard draws conclusions based on his observations of two telecentres in Tanzania with very different business models. Howard’s work is intended to inspire others to share their observations about viab...
As part of its research activities, APC has compiled a list of African ICT blogs. Thematically, most of them focus on ICT4D issues, although some others deal rather with online journalism, ICT policy, freedom of expression, or other related issues. Both very generally focused blogs are represented (ICT in Africa), as well as blogs looking at specific issues (alternative energy sources). The lis...
The Fantsuam Foundation provides refurbished computers to civil society organisations and partners, runs computer training centres and offers the only internet connection for hundreds of miles around in rural Nigeria. All this in Kafanchan State where electricity is often unavailable and innovators power their computers using car batteries. The Foundation’s work is supported by a home-grown ...
APC member in rural Nigeria, Fantsuam Foundation, has recorded yet another first in rural ICT programs. Earlier this year, Fantsuam launched a VSAT facility. VSAT stands for "Very Small Aperture Terminal" which can provide access to the internet by connecting computers on the ground to a satellite link. In a situation where other connectivity options are not feasible, VSAT can be relatively qui...
