Practical Insights on Business for ICT4D Projects

What are Business Ideas for ICT4D Solutions?

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) support and enable sustainable economic and social development in developing countries. There are many potential business ideas for ICT4D solutions, including:

  • Mobile health services: Developing mobile applications or platforms that provide health information and services, such as telemedicine, disease tracking, and medical appointment scheduling, in areas with limited access to healthcare.
  • Agricultural technology: Developing technologies such as precision agriculture systems, irrigation systems, and weather monitoring systems to improve the efficiency and productivity of small-scale farms.
  • Educational technology: Developing educational platforms, such as e-learning platforms or mobile apps, to provide access to education in remote or underserved areas.
  • Renewable energy solutions: Developing technologies such as solar panels or wind turbines to provide clean, affordable energy in areas without access to traditional electricity.
  • Digital financial services: Developing technologies such as mobile banking or digital payment systems to provide financial services to underserved communities.
  • Disaster response and management technologies: Developing technologies such as early warning systems or communication platforms to assist with disaster response and management efforts in developing countries.
  • Water and sanitation technologies: Developing technologies such as water purification systems or improved sanitation systems to address water and sanitation challenges in developing countries.
Getting Principled on Digital Financial Services for Development

Getting Principled on Digital Financial Services for Development

Published on: Apr 15 2016 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
Digital financial services (DFS) have emerged as complex and yet powerful tool for supporting economic development. Technology-enabled financial services comprise...
Where is Your Marketing Budget in ICT4D Programs?

Where is Your Marketing Budget in ICT4D Programs?

Published on: Mar 25 2016 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
Recently, I was rural India with VSO International checking in on Samadhan, a citizen engagement software program that connects marginalized communities to the...
The Rise of Mobile Money Services in Somaliland

The Rise of Mobile Money Services in Somaliland

Published on: Jan 29 2016 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
In 2009, Somaliland’s biggest mobile network operator, Telesom, launched their mobile payment service “ZAAD”, and today more than 10% of the 3.8 million inhabitants...
How To Stop Paying Per Diems for ICT4D Project Participation?

How To Stop Paying Per Diems for ICT4D Project Participation?

Published on: Jan 25 2016 by Wayan Vota - 23 Comments
In the research article Paying Per Diems for ICT4D Project Participation: A Sustainability Challenge by Terje Aksel Sanner and Johan Ivar Sæbø of Univeristy of...
Could Equity Crowdfunding Be a Pathway from Poverty?

Could Equity Crowdfunding Be a Pathway from Poverty?

Published on: Dec 18 2015 by Josh Woodard - Comments Off on Could Equity Crowdfunding Be a Pathway from Poverty?
Recently, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission adopted new rules that will open up crowdfunding equity investments to anyone. Previously such investments...
We Need to Create Business Models that Deliver Value to Overcome the Digital Divide

We Need to Create Business Models that Deliver Value to Overcome the Digital Divide

Published on: Nov 25 2015 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
Huawei recognizes the urgent need to reduce the deepening digital divide between those who benefit from connectivity and the internet, and those who don’t. Our...
Guess Which Communications Platform Youth Prefer Today?

Guess Which Communications Platform Youth Prefer Today?

Published on: Nov 11 2015 by Kristen Roggemann - 4 Comments
Youth are adopting new technology faster and smarter than the general population. We know this anecdotally and witness it in our daily lives as we interact with...
MERL Tech Lessons Not Learned in International Development

MERL Tech Lessons Not Learned in International Development

Published on: Oct 26 2015 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
The world has made several commitments to water and sanitation, starting as far back as the 1970s, and leading up to the recent Sustainable Development Goals. Also...
Can Crowdfunding Work for Developing World Projects?

Can Crowdfunding Work for Developing World Projects?

Published on: Oct 19 2015 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
As I experiment with crowdfunding for JadedAid, a card game to save humanitarians that I co-launched on Kickstarter, I wonder how entrepreneurs in the developing...
Digitizing Payments One Cabinet at a Time

Digitizing Payments One Cabinet at a Time

Published on: Oct 16 2015 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
Recently, the Liberian Cabinet approved the use of mobile money to pay teachers in rural areas. This is a huge step in the right direction for Liberia. But why...