ICTworks

We all know that broadband connectivity is an accelerant for social and economic development. And we know that in the developing world, women are the key investors in family health and education. So shouldn’t we be working towards a world where every African woman can have access to broadband Internet?

But what does “broadband” or “access” really mean? And how can we accelerate connectivity?  Yes, mobile operators will play a role, as will ISPs, national backbones, sea cable operators, and the private ICT ecosystem. In fact, in driving better access, there will be policy, regulatory, financial, and cultural challenges, all of which will take many actors working together to achieve impact.

How do we start? What advice do you have for the international development players? The technology community? Or the US and other governments? What levers and leverage can we employ make broadband ubiquitous?

Come to the next Technology Salon for a lively discussion at the intersection of technology and development, boosted with broadband. We’ll be joined by Priya Jaisinghani of USAID, Ann Mei Chang of the US State Department, and your forward-thinking peers – so please RSVP early – we will reach capacity fast.

Broadband Access for Africa
October Technology Salon in Silicon Valley
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Vodafone Americas Foundation
275 Shoreline Dr., Suite 400
Redwood City, CA 94065 (map)

We’ll have hot coffee and donuts for a morning rush, but seating is limited at Vodafone Americas. So RSVP ASAP to be confirmed for attendance – once we reach our 30-person capacity there will be a waitlist.

The Technology Salon™ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both:

1. technology’s impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and
2. private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology.

Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations. Attendance is capped at 30 people – and frank participation with ideas, opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged.  It’s also a great opportunity to meet others motivated to employ technology to solve vexing development problems. Join us today!