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.
How Does the New Haitian Sûrtab Tablet Measure Up?

How Does the New Haitian Sûrtab Tablet Measure Up?

Published on: Apr 18 2014 by Sam Perales - 3 Comments
Since 2013, consumers have had their eye on a new Haitian-made tablet, known as the Sûrtab. It’s price and weight may seem ideal, but how does it measure up...
Why Do RCT in ICT4D When You Can A/B Test for Faster Results?

Why Do RCT in ICT4D When You Can A/B Test for Faster Results?

Published on: Apr 11 2014 by Wayan Vota - 8 Comments
Recently, D. Jerome Martin tweeted that he was happy that 50% of USAID’s Development Innovation Ventures grantees were conducting randomized control trials...
Top 10 Challenges that ICT Entrepreneurs Face in Zambia

Top 10 Challenges that ICT Entrepreneurs Face in Zambia

Published on: Mar 14 2014 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
Recently Wayan Vota brought up the issue, Where Are the B2B Plays in African ICT Start-Ups? If you’re an entrepreneur, I believe that this is the question...
You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet

You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Published on: Feb 19 2014 by Jana Melpolder - Comments Off on You Can Change the World of Hardware and Enter to Win a Google Nexus 7 Tablet
ICT projects are often riddled with challenges such as power, heat, humidity, and unstable electrical systems, all of which are common to development practitioners. Why...
Which ICT4D Projects Use Progressive Design Principles?

Which ICT4D Projects Use Progressive Design Principles?

Published on: Feb 03 2014 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Which ICT4D Projects Use Progressive Design Principles?
USAID is gathering information on ICT4D projects or activities that have embodied progressive project design principles to show how these principals can help technology...
A NICE International ICT4D Failure

A NICE International ICT4D Failure

Published on: Jan 29 2014 by Guest Writer - 3 Comments
NICE International was offering telecenters with sustainable solar energy – so called NICECentres – to unleash the potential of people in developing countries....
Mobiles for Development Partnerships are Still Hard!

Mobiles for Development Partnerships are Still Hard!

Published on: Jan 22 2014 by Kristen Roggemann - 1 Comment
I am Kristen Roggemann, and at the recently-concluded GSMA Mobile for Development Summit, GSMA mWomen was thrilled to host a spirited discussion on the opportunities...
Where Are the B2B Plays in African ICT Start-Ups?

Where Are the B2B Plays in African ICT Start-Ups?

Published on: Jan 13 2014 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
Recently, Ory Okolloh tweeted an observation I often comment on when I am talking with techies all excited about start-ups in Africa: There is a real need to focus...
Get a Dream Job in ICT4D and Fulfill Another News Year’s Resolution

Get a Dream Job in ICT4D and Fulfill Another News Year’s Resolution

Published on: Jan 10 2014 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Get a Dream Job in ICT4D and Fulfill Another News Year’s Resolution
Do you love your job? I mean really love your job? Or do you go to work every day because that pays the bills? Might it be time to look for a dream job? One where...
Needed: More Mozilla in International Development

Needed: More Mozilla in International Development

Published on: Dec 20 2013 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
I am Christine Prefontaine and I learned about Mozilla because a good friend of mine started working there. Before, like many of you, I thought of them only as...