ICTworks by Inveneo

At the TEDxIIT conference earlier this year Dr. Laura Hosman spoke about the challenges facing ICT4D and some promising methods for moving forward:

In her talk she focused on these three points with humor and precision we could all learn from:

The realm of ICT4D has a disturbing track record of consistently searching for the “next big thing” technologically. Related to this, there is also a tendency focus too much on the Technology over the Development in the "T4D" or technology for development scenario. Unfortunately, this can be a recipe for disappointment, and more often than not, for making things worse. When we focus primarily on the technology, we tend to miss that development is a long, complicated, messy process that takes a lot of hard work, and that technology is not always the answer. Even when technology does provide a way forward, we still need to recognize that there are no shortcuts to development.

As human beings, we tend to take things for granted once we get used to them, which may cause us to miss the entire ecosystem surrounding technology use that we take for granted in the developed world, because we can. For example, if we take electricity for granted, we might forget that we need power in order to use new technology that is introduced for the first time into a given locale.

In order not to take things for granted, it is essential to work with people who don’t take the entire technology ecosystem for granted, because they can’t—those from the developing world who live under conditions of constraint. We must establish long-lasting partnerships that enable feedback loops between the stakeholders, to promote mutual learning, to match actual needs with innovations, and to build capacities, in order to drive sustainability. When we do this, there is a real potential for technology to advance the development process.

Had I told you in 2000 that Kampala, Uganda would host a TED-type event sponsored by UNICEF and a growing IT incubation center, with notables like New York Times reporters and founders of the World Wide Web, you would've laughed me out of the room with a parting, "In Africa? Hahahahh!"

No one is laughing now. In fact, I'm applauding the organizational skills of Jonathan Gosier and his Appfrica Labs in pulling off TEDxKampala. Just listen to the presentation lineup:

Making ICT history in Africa

Simply put, the event was incredible! Stephen Boyera of the World Wide Web Foundation offered the keynote talk, while Ron Nixon from the New York Times dropped with arguably one of the most interesting talks of the day where he presented his app Ujima which tracks spending too and from African countries.

Solomon King of Node Six gave a moving talk on how he became a ‘famous citizen journalist’ for simply blogging about his experiences during the Kampala riots. Paul Bagyenda of Digital Solutions offered advice for young tech entrepreneurs, while Paul Asiimwe of Sipi Law Uganda talked about the importance of intellectual property law and digital rights to protect content and content producers.

Or better yet, you can check out videos of the event. Wait, think about that for a moment - you're watching what happened just a few days ago hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away in East Africa. Just the very act makes me want to laugh with happiness - this is Africa's ICT arrival:

If you're disappointed you missed TEDxKampala, then check out Africa Gathering Nairobi - technophiles, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and innovators talking about positive change in sustainable development and technology across Africa. They're convening December 21-22 in Nairobi, Kenya, to highlight emerging technology that is relevant to Africa - get your tickets now!