Practical Insights on Mobile Phones

How can mobile phones help poor people?

Mobile phones can be used in ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development) to help poor people.

Mobile phones can be a powerful tool for promoting development and improving the lives of people in developing countries, by providing access to information, opportunities, and services. For example:

  • Healthcare: Mobile phones can be used to access health information and services, including telemedicine and other remote healthcare services. This can help to improve access to healthcare, especially for people in remote or underserved areas.
  • Education: Mobile phones can be used to access educational resources, including online courses, educational videos, and other materials. This can help to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for learning.
  • Employment: Mobile phones can be used to find and apply for jobs, as well as connect with potential employers and clients. They can also be used to start and run businesses, providing a source of income and economic opportunities.
  • Communication: Mobile phones can be used to stay connected with friends and family, and to access news and information from around the world. They can also facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilitate collaboration with others.
  • Political participation: Mobile phones can provide a platform for people to engage in political discourse and participate in the democratic process, helping to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
New USAID Handbook: How to Implement Electronic Payments in Development Programs

New USAID Handbook: How to Implement Electronic Payments in Development Programs

Published on: Jun 03 2015 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on New USAID Handbook: How to Implement Electronic Payments in Development Programs
Have you read the USAID Procurement Executive Bulletin NO. 2014-06 that promotes the use of electronic payments at the procurement/assistance planning and award...
Please RSVP Now: Will P2P Financing Succeed Where Microfinance Has Failed?

Please RSVP Now: Will P2P Financing Succeed Where Microfinance Has Failed?

Published on: Jun 02 2015 by Jana Melpolder - Comments Off on Please RSVP Now: Will P2P Financing Succeed Where Microfinance Has Failed?
 Lusaka Salon – June 11th – RSVP Now Micro-sized loans, often with macro-sized interest rates, were the craze back in the go-go ’90s, and fueled...
5 Step Process to Develop Mobile Phone Technical Skills Workshops

5 Step Process to Develop Mobile Phone Technical Skills Workshops

Published on: Jun 01 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 5 Step Process to Develop Mobile Phone Technical Skills Workshops
Not being able to operate a phone is one of the most reported barriers to women adopting and using mobile technology and ultimately accessing life-enhancing mobile...
New USAID Handbook: Digital Finance for Development

New USAID Handbook: Digital Finance for Development

Published on: Apr 22 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on New USAID Handbook: Digital Finance for Development
The Digital Financial Services for Development Handbook was developed by USAID and FHI360 for use by USAID personnel to maximize the Agency’s use of and contribution...
Reading on Mobile Phones? mLiteracy Opportunities and Challenges

Reading on Mobile Phones? mLiteracy Opportunities and Challenges

Published on: Apr 06 2015 by Steve Vosloo - 4 Comments
Recently, the Goethe Institute of Johannesburg hosted an mLiteracy Networking Meeting to examine the opportunities and challenges for mobiles to increase literacy...
How Was mBanking Successfully Embraced in Bangladesh?

How Was mBanking Successfully Embraced in Bangladesh?

Published on: Feb 20 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on How Was mBanking Successfully Embraced in Bangladesh?
Bringing mBanking to Bangladesh has had many bumps along the road. Before introducing mBanking to Bangladesh, 87% of the population didn’t have a bank account...
The Technology Helping Cambodia’s Disconnected and Hardest to Reach

The Technology Helping Cambodia’s Disconnected and Hardest to Reach

Published on: Feb 16 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on The Technology Helping Cambodia’s Disconnected and Hardest to Reach
In a nation of about 15 million people, Cambodia has over 19 million mobile phone subscribers. In addition, there are only about 3.8 million Internet users. A 2014...
The One Thing Everyone Should Do Now to Improve Program M&E

The One Thing Everyone Should Do Now to Improve Program M&E

Published on: Oct 29 2014 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on The One Thing Everyone Should Do Now to Improve Program M&E
There is a simple solution that is useful throughout the project cycle, takes 10 minutes to set up, is used by millions of organizations worldwide but seldom used...
Win $10,000 in USAID Mobiles for Development in Asia Award

Win $10,000 in USAID Mobiles for Development in Asia Award

Published on: Oct 28 2014 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Win $10,000 in USAID Mobiles for Development in Asia Award
Do you have a mobile service, product, app, or add-on that is being used to address a development challenge in Asia? Do you want the opportunity to promote your...
3 M4D Case Studies from GSMA Mobile for Development Impact

3 M4D Case Studies from GSMA Mobile for Development Impact

Published on: Oct 20 2014 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on 3 M4D Case Studies from GSMA Mobile for Development Impact
We so often hear that people want more case studies of M4D services that, have scaled to reach wider audiences, or are showcasing new innovative approaches. GSMA’s...