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.
The Current State of Mobile Financial Services in Bangladesh

The Current State of Mobile Financial Services in Bangladesh

Published on: Oct 12 2016 by Josh Woodard - Comments Off on The Current State of Mobile Financial Services in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a rapidly growing mobile financial services industry, with at least 10 providers already offering services on the market, that represent more than...
Apply Now: $100,000 in Grant Funding for Digital Financial Services Entrepreneurs

Apply Now: $100,000 in Grant Funding for Digital Financial Services Entrepreneurs

Published on: Sep 08 2016 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Apply Now: $100,000 in Grant Funding for Digital Financial Services Entrepreneurs
Do you have an inner flame that compels you to be a founder at a startup? Do you have deep expertise in fintech, payments, or retail finance? Do you dream of creating...
5 Reasons Why International Development Needs Content Strategy

5 Reasons Why International Development Needs Content Strategy

Published on: Aug 05 2016 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 5 Reasons Why International Development Needs Content Strategy
International development organizations are full of smart, pragmatic people. But just as the rise of digital has disrupted public, private, and nonprofit organizations...
The Blind Spot of SMS Projects: Constituent Illiteracy

The Blind Spot of SMS Projects: Constituent Illiteracy

Published on: Aug 03 2016 by Guest Writer - 5 Comments
With the overwhelming optimism around mobile phone-based communication technologies, it is reasonable to ponder: Do literacy levels pose a serious limitation to...
Process Improvements: The Forgotten Big Wins in Digital Development

Process Improvements: The Forgotten Big Wins in Digital Development

Published on: Jul 06 2016 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Process Improvements: The Forgotten Big Wins in Digital Development
Working with ICT, we often get myopically focused on trying solving big problems, not even thinking about where technology has proven benefit: improving systems...
4 Innovative Ways The Renewable Energy Sector Is Using Mobile Technology

4 Innovative Ways The Renewable Energy Sector Is Using Mobile Technology

Published on: May 30 2016 by Guest Writer - 5 Comments
While NGOs increasingly use mobile technology for monitoring and evaluation, in emerging markets like Kenya, businesses are also using mobile solutions to both...
Can Bitcoin Free West Africa From CFA Franc Tyranny?

Can Bitcoin Free West Africa From CFA Franc Tyranny?

Published on: May 20 2016 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
The “CFA Franc” is a currency used by 14 African countries, which represents 38% of the African population, and this wicked money affects 150 million lives....
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...