Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Reducing Poverty Through Technological Development

Technological DevelopmentIn a world increasingly reliant on science and technology, lack of access is a significant concern for those living in poverty. To help develop those regions suffering from lack of development, there needs to be a greater push for education in these fields, as well as greater access to technology itself.

This is where the UN Technology Bank comes in, a global organization that is “dedicated to enhancing the contribution of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world’s least developed countries.” In essence, this branch of the UN works to eradicate global poverty and inequality through technological development.

Between 1820 and 2002, the level of global inequality rose to 85%, mainly due to technological growth in certain countries. Despite the necessity of modern technology for modern economies to thrive, many developing countries need to catch up in its adoption, with a 2016 Pew survey finding only 54% of the population in 29 emerging countries could access the internet while only 37% owned a smartphone. However, now is the perfect time for developing countries to not only catch up on technological development but also get ahead on emerging sectors such as green technology, a potentially $9.5 trillion industry. Thankfully, the UN Technology Bank is here to help them achieve their goals.

The First Few Years

Headquartered in Gebze, Turkey, the organization was officially launched in 2018. However, its roots go back several years earlier. In 2011, the UN adopted the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, which explicitly called for an organization to facilitate technological development in impoverished nations.

The UN laid the foundations for the organization after its leaders recognized that science and technology play a paramount role in lifting least developed countries out of poverty. In doing research for the Istanbul Programme, it found that LDCs needed “forward-looking science, technology and innovation policy frameworks to upgrade and align the skills base with market requirements,” which are vital in spurring economic development in these nations where around 30% of working people on average live below the poverty line.

The Tech Bank also aims to further the UN Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030. This set of 17 goals, adopted in 2015, serves as a blueprint for global development. Among its major aims is eliminating poverty and hunger.

During its first three years, the Tech Bank focused on building partnerships at the national and international level. In addition, it also examined the current state of science and technology in least-developed countries to determine how to establish innovation networks and begin technology transfer.

In a 2018 interview, Technology Bank Council Member Bitrina Diyamett explained why the UN is trying to help LDCs. “The bank starts from the premise that these countries are poor – to a large extent – because they lack capabilities in science, technology and innovation. Therefore, based on the UN principle of “leaving no one behind” in sustainable development, there is no other alternative to achieving the Agenda but by building such capabilities.”

The Work

Since its founding, the Technology Bank has worked on several projects and activities in least-developed countries around the globe.

With this work, it hopes to help these countries achieve several important sustainable development goals. Chief among these goals is economic self-reliance. As least-developed nations acquire new technology and the skills necessary to support it, they will then have the ability to grow their market considerably and lift people out of poverty. Other important goals include sustainable access to health technologies, sustainable industrialization, education and academic cooperation.

Once the Technology Bank decides which country to work with, it takes a four-step approach to help them achieve their goals. The first and arguably most crucial step is beginning the Technology Needs Assessment. Here, Tech Bank researchers identify essential technological development needs, understand the key challenges to that development and create an action plan to achieve greater technical capacity.

At the same time, it begins working on technology transfers. As the name implies, workers and researchers try to facilitate the transfer of essential technology to the countries in which they operate. An example of this may be the building of eco-friendly and affordable shelters or the creation of technology labs to educate young people with the skills necessary to build, operate and maintain using modern science and technology.

Finally, the Tech Bank works on the country’s policy and capacity development and forming strategic partnerships and advocacy. In this final step, the focus is on creating and advocating for national policies that support the capacity for science and technology while forming strategic partnerships with other nations and organizations.

Current Results and Future Outlook

The UN Tech Bank has assisted development in 11 different countries with ongoing projects in four more, including Bangladesh and Benin. Its ultimate goal is to utilize science and technology to help develop the 46 least developed nations.

In March 2022, Tech Bank leader Taffere Tesfachew called on all countries to help those living in the least developed ones. While thanking Turkey for its continued support for the Tech Bank, he stated he was “Hoping other countries would join, like China, also advanced countries like Germany.” And though only the future can tell how successful the Tech Bank will be, thus far, its efforts have proved fruitful, and if other countries answer the call, it is sure to achieve its mission of lifting the most vulnerable out of poverty.

– Jonathon Crecelius
Photo: Flickr

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Cybertech Africa 2023: How Technology Can Impact Poverty

Cybertech Africa 2023
Cybertech Africa 2023, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda on the first two days of August, was the first-ever Cybertech Global gathering in Africa. The convention demonstrated the rapid development of technology and innovation in Africa and illustrated the impact technology is having on the economic status of many African countries. 

For example, certain countries such as Seychelles have seen a recent tech boom that, despite the country’s small size, has been dramatically impactful. Cybertech Africa 2023 is one of many recent signs that point towards technological innovation as a method of helping African countries out of poverty.

What is Cybertech Global?

Cybertech Global is one of the technology industry’s leading business-to-business networking platforms. The goal of Cybertech is to showcase and facilitate global discussion around the most recent innovations in the technology sphere. In particular, the convention’s primary topic is cyber technology, which is a subsection of the industry that focuses on networks, data and cybersecurity. 

Cybertech exhibitions cover recent challenges and potential solutions that exist in the form of technology. Company executives, government officials, and even world leaders often attend these conferences, as technology is one of the most profitable and innovative industries in the world. Cybertech conferences have been held in Tel Aviv, Singapore, Rome, Panama, Tokyo, and, most recently, in Rwanda. 

Seychelles at Cybertech Africa 2023

Cybertech Africa 2023 hosted many officials and executives, including H.E. Ahmed Afif, Vice President of the small isolated nation of Seychelles. Afif spoke at the convention, emphasizing the unique position of Seychelles and how technology has impacted the country. 

“In a small country like Seychelles, with 100,000 people, skills in the health specialist area are very limited,” explained Afif. “But what you find is that when a surgeon has to carry out an operation, now with digital technology you can have specialists around the world following the surgery. This is revolutionary.” 

Afif also stressed the importance of the Data Protection Act of 2023, which the government of Seychelles passed on June 22, 2023. The bill brings Seychelles closer to a modern cybersecurity infrastructure akin to that of the United States. This further demonstrates the rapid technological growth seen in Seychelles and, much like Cybertech Africa, is representative of Africa’s technological progress as a whole. 

What Does Cybertech Africa Mean for Poverty?

Cybertech Africa 2023 showcases the rapid technological development of African nations. Advanced technological infrastructure has become a necessity in the modern world. Likewise, technology is a massive industry; the more development and focus put into technology, the more a country will see considerable economic returns. This is compounded by technological demand.

Countries like the Seychelles are now major consumers in the technology sphere. This leads to a feedback loop in which both industrial giants and burgeoning African countries can benefit. Cybertech Africa 2023 already demonstrates progress in this regard, and further emphasis on technology and the digital age will result in a higher quality of life for all those living in African countries.

– Liam Kahan
Photo: Flickr

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Health care Technology in Developing Countries

Health care Technology in developing countriesEconomic disparities have created many barriers to quality medical services for low-income communities. Innovative technologies are now dismantling these barriers, making health care more accessible and affordable for disadvantaged populations. This article will cover advancements in health care technology in developing countries.

Health Tech: Breaking Distance Barriers

Telemedicine and other health care technology have emerged as game-changers in health care accessibility. Low-income communities often lack nearby health care facilities, forcing residents to travel long distances for medical consultations. Telemedicine platforms enable virtual consultations with health care professionals. Through a simple smartphone or computer, individuals can connect with doctors, nurses or specialists, receiving expert advice without the financial burden of travel expenses. These platforms are particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions, allowing patients to receive ongoing care remotely.

M-TIBA

Created by a financial tech company in Kenya, M-TIBA is a digital wallet that allows patients to make mobile payments for health care services. The name of the product is special; the “m” stands for mobile, while the word “tiba” means “treatment” in Swahili. The original concept behind M-TIBA was to ensure that patients received health care donations and to encourage its users to save for health care costs. To date, M-TIBA has over 4 million registered users, and its creators boast that claims filed with it are processed in a third of the time of traditional health care claims.

SORMAS

The COVID-19 epidemic proved that being able to monitor the transmission of communicable diseases was an essential part of health care. The Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) was created via a partnership between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany. It was invented to survey disease outbreaks and epidemics, enabling epidemiologists to use real-time health data to track diseases. SORMAS is used in countries throughout Africa, Asia and Europe.

MomConnect

The South African National Department of Health started MomConnect to help address disparities in maternal health. The service is free, and it can be downloaded via an app to a cell phone. It helps connect expectant mothers with health resources in their communities. The app helps people register their pregnancies in the public health system and access information about how to maintain their health during pregnancy and after birth. MomConnect was launched in 2014, and by 2017, more than 900,000 had received MomConnect messages. )

Improving access to health care technology in low-income communities helps empower those communities and helps them lead healthier lives. Enhancing access to medical services through telemedicine, mobile apps and other technology helps level the health care playing field. The combination of digital innovation and health care is creating a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of quality health care. 

– Joy Loving
Photo: Unsplash

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How WRC-23 Reduces Poverty

WRC-23 Reduces Poverty
The modern age of the internet has shaped nearly every facet of modern-day life. However, access to this revolutionary technology still needs to catch up. It may appear obvious, but widespread communication and the internet are efficient ways to bring the entire globe into a prosperous age. The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) is an international event that occurs every three to four years to set and revise global standards used for international radio and communication. This year’s conference, WRC-23 in Dubai, maintained a focal point of improving communication and internet access across developing nations. This year, the conference aimed efforts at areas across southeast Asia and Africa. WRC-23 reduces poverty using tools like 5G and internet bands (GHz). 

While the internet and communication may seem like commodities compared to adequate food and housing when examining poverty, a case study in Mexico found that inequitable access to the internet and communication was a driving force for poverty. Access to these factors bolstered education, health care and other factors. The study showed that people lacking access, on average, had less access to health care, housing and education. This case study in Mexico displays how WRC-23 reduces poverty using developed technologies with fair access to create advantages for people. 

5G and the Internet in Asia

For the greater Pacific-Asia region, WRC-23 presents the opportunity to revolutionize radio frequency. The main idea is to use 6Ghz — a high-speed internet band — to skyrocket the accessibility and sustainability of 5G. An astounding 5 billion people use mobile phones every day, and increasing its capacity presents further opportunities for education and health care — key pillars in fighting poverty. Furthermore, the European Investment Banks predicts that 5G can reduce energy consumption by 50% to 95%. Increasing the availability and reducing the cost of energy can have a massive effect on ways the WRC-23 reduces poverty. 

China has already committed to this new wave of 5G and began implementation on July 1st. Other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Myanmar, have also demonstrated interest in using 6Ghz to improve mobile access. This innovation could potentially reach 1.5 billion people and improve the lives of many. 

Mobile in Africa 

On a global scale, 45% of the world lacks access to the internet. Those disconnected fall into two groups. Some fall into the coverage gap: people who live in areas with zero mobile networks. Others fall into the usage gap: people without broadband access but who create a mobile footprint. Africa houses a disproportionate number of disconnected who fall into the coverage gap group, 61% of people lack access to mobile networks. The chief causes of this are the usage and affordability of networks. 

Causes being discussed at WRC-23. The conference is focused on using low and mid-band spectrums to tackle the coverage gap. Low and mid-band spectrums being discussed in WRC-23 contain massive impacts on digital access in Africa. The continued use of 3.5GHz and the expansion of 3.8 GHz has the potential to create a dream vision for mobile in Africa, echoing massive benefits for those in poverty. The addition of the lower band 470-694 MHz can also further bolster the impacts of improved access. Powerful potential is being forged helping the WRC-23 reduce poverty. 

Looking Forward 

It is evident that the projects at WRC-23 can make massive strides in the fight against global poverty. All it takes is the approval of countries participating in the conference for improvements in the lives of many.

The GMSA is a global network of more than 1,000 operators that focuses on improving sustainability and equality in the mobile industry. It has identified three actions to make change. It is urging countries to:

  1. Allocate the 470-694 MHz band. 
  2. Identify the 3.3-3.8 GHz band3. 
  3. Start up the 6GHz band. 

These actions will have massive ramifications for assisting the WRC-23 to reduce poverty. 

– Aditya Arora
Photo: Flickr

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How China Helped More Than 800 Million People Out of Poverty

Out of PovertyIn 1978, Deng Xiaoping, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, changed the course of millions of lives when he declared, “Poverty is not socialism; socialism means eliminating poverty.” Beginning China’s stride to eradicate poverty, Xiaoping focused on boosting China’s economy through agricultural and social reforms to improve living conditions. Here are three changes Deng Xiaoping implemented to tackle poverty in China.

1. Open Door Policy

China was one of the poorest countries in the world in 1978, with a GDP of $156 and home to 40% of the world’s population living in extreme poverty. Compared to neighboring Asian economies, China appeared vulnerable as the communist regime had failed to generate economic growth. Recognizing the risk to the communist party if China could not raise its people out of poverty, Deng Xiapoing committed to improving the living standards of the Chinese people through economic growth.

The Open Door Policy actively introduced foreign capital and technology to China as foreign investments were made into multiple zones such as the special economic zones, peninsula open zones, open border cities, high-tech industry development zones, etc. These zones sparked substantial foreign investment while China continued to promote its socialist market economy concept, whereby state-owned businesses and privately-owned businesses could co-exist.

Implementing The Open Door policy allowed China to use its huge labor resources and land to move away from the damage of the Cultural Revolution and towards rapid economic growth. Within 10 years, China’s GDP per capita had grown to $284, and within 20, it reached $829. The progressive industrialization of China created more and better jobs, as the laborers who were no longer needed in agriculture moved to the consumer goods and services sectors, initiating global investments while providing further job opportunities.

2. Agricultural Reform

During Mao’s time in power, collective farming had been enforced on the rural population. This enforcement meant pooling farms from hundreds of families together to create one large farm. The upper and middle-class farmers had to give up possession of their land to the state, decreasing their morale. In contrast, the lower-class farmers lost motivation to work in the large, impersonal collectives where it was practically impossible to monitor the work individuals completed.

Although some farmers favored collective farming, by 1979, Xiaoping’s de-collectivization effort to incentivize more production and increase economic prosperity for rural workers began spreading across China. Farmers had their land restored to them or were assigned contracts to work on certain areas of land, needing to produce a specified grain quota for the state at a low fixed price of rent. After delivering this grain, farmers were free to consume, trade or sell on the open market and grow whatever they wanted. To further encourage production in rural China, the purchase price for compulsory grain deliveries to the state increased by 20% while the price for excess grain increased by 50%. Overall, increased state prices and the opening of free markets resulted in a substantial rise in food production and average rural family incomes.

3. Targeted Poverty Reduction

As part of the anti-poverty campaign established at the end of 2012 and headed by President Xi Jinping, China made Targeted Poverty Reduction efforts. Jinping believed, “The CPC cadres should pay inspection tours to identify the truly poor. Poverty reduction must reach intended hands or those who truly need it, and poverty must be eradicated completely.”

In January 2014, the guideline on Promoting Poverty Reduction in Rural Areas with Innovative Policies was released, detailing targeted poverty relief across China. The CPC collected and used data to identify the most poverty-stricken areas and their requirements. Hard infrastructure, such as electricity access, water supply, roads and railways, were upgraded, boosting agricultural productivity, raising people’s standards of living and connecting villages to cities.

The effective irrigated area now covers more than 5.35 million hectares, water supply capacity increased by 18.1 billion cubic meters, and more than 98% of poor villages gained access to 4G and optical fiber technology. Soft infrastructure such as health care, education and social security also improved. For example, 108,000 rural schools were renovated to support compulsory education. At the same time, 98% of hospitals in poor countries have a minimum of one competent hospital that can treat 90% of diseases treated at similar hospitals.

China’s dedication to eradicating extreme poverty through government reforms is a remarkable feat that has provided a blueprint for tackling poverty globally. Through economic growth, agricultural prosperity and targeted efforts such as improved infrastructure in the poorest areas, China has demonstrated it is possible to lift millions of people, 40% of the world’s extreme poor, out of poverty in only four decades.

– Alice Isola
Photo: Unsplash

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Google Leads the Digital Charge With Tech Jobs for 20,000 Nigerians

Tech Jobs
On June 26, 2023, Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, announced plans to create 1 million tech jobs. Media outlets did not see fit to report this development, presumably because brazen government targets are neither uncommon nor guaranteed to come to pass. 

Fast forward to August 2023, and global tech giant Google has joined the digital charge. Committed to Shettima’s vision, Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogu, pledged to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and young people with digital skills on behalf of the U.S. firm. A $1.6 million payment is also set to go directly to the Nigerian government to help make Shettima’s vision a reality. 

A Step in the Right Direction

There are a plethora of potential advantages of the scheme, ranging from enriching individual lives to boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to promoting a global economy. 

  • Harnessing Potential: Vice-President Shettima spoke out about the significance of Nigeria’s young demographic. “Seventy-five percent of Nigerians are below the age of 35,” he said, going on to stress the “unique position” Nigeria is in to bring talent to the world “because ours is a young nation.” For perspective, the median age in the U.S. is 38.9 years. With such a young pool of talent to draw from, tapping into Nigeria’s young population would unlock the budding potential of an oftentimes overlooked nation.
  • Poverty Reduction: Google is a colossus in the corporate realm and has great influence as a result. Publicly investing in Nigeria’s technology sector paves the way for other multinational corporations to follow suit. Google is not a nonprofit. In fact, profit motivates it. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, generated $282.836 billion in revenue in 2022 alone. It can therefore be safely assumed that the U.S. firm has seen the mutual benefit of having a foothold in Nigeria. Google has a new pool of employees and consumers to draw from, Nigeria sees GDP growth as a result, and Nigerians are equipped with the digital skills necessary to lift them out of poverty.
  • Embracing a Digitized World: Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, expressed his willingness to support the digital development of Nigeria. “You have answered our call on digital innovation and to help our youths,” Tinubu told the visiting Google executive. Corruption plagued Nigeria’s development. A PWC study found that “corruption in Nigeria could cost up to 37% of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) by 2030.” With the world watching, Nigeria’s willingness to embrace a digitized world is certainly a step in the right direction.

A Realistic Project?

At this stage, no clear timeframe has been laid out by either Google or Nigerian officials for the scaling up of tech jobs in the region. Such uncertainty runs the risk of bold targets never coming to fruition. For a developing nation like Nigeria, a burgeoning technology sector would transform lives. It is important that Nigerians do not fall victim to false or propagandist promises. 

Looking Forward

With Google at the helm and a Nigerian government committed to development, the partnership has the promise to not only grow the digital sector but transform Nigerian life prospects. At present, the World Bank estimates place as many as four in 10 Nigerians below the poverty line. It may transpire that most of these individuals are not funneled into tech jobs, or reached at all by the scheme. However, a collaboration with Google sets the cogs in motion for changing the narrative — one citizen at a time. 

– Imogen Townsend
Photo: Unsplash

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How Karya is Helping Alleviate Poverty in India 

Karya is Helping Alleviate Poverty in India
India is a developing country in Asia that has a complicated and vast financial history. For many centuries, India has struggled with poverty. From pre- to post-independence, India has seen much struggle and growth. To this day, India has one of the fastest-growing economies. Like many other countries, parts of India struggle more than others. Regional disparities are common in India and create economic gaps. Many organizations have been focusing on closing these gaps and targeting the less developed locations in India. Karya is a foundation focused on advancing citizens’ economic status in India. The foundation uses technology to create economic opportunities and promote growth. Karya is helping alleviate poverty in India.

The Karya Foundation 

The Karya Foundation launched in 2021 to create a better India. Co-founders Manu Chopra and Vivek Seshadri saw the opportunity to change lives with technology. The foundation uses data cooperation to generate money for the citizens of India. 

The Karya Foundation believes everyone deserves access to the skills, resources and opportunities that lead to a happy and fulfilling life. Living in poverty means there are few education opportunities. In India, the rural workforce needs more education to succeed in their professions. Karya pointed out that the rural workforce in India has less than 5% of its workers adequately trained and skilled. Fixing this statistic was Karya’s first step to alleviating poverty in India. As a result, it created an app.

How the App Works to Alleviate Poverty in India

Anyone who owns a smartphone can utilize the Karya app. Karya is an entirely digital tool used from anywhere, even without the internet. All someone has to do is speak their native language on the app. Karya captures this data and breaks it down. The data is then validated and synthesized into high-quality sets. These sets get sold to tech companies, and Karya receives profit. Karya prides itself in giving back the majority of this profit to the sender. The app helps Indians profit instead of big tech companies who hold most of the money. The app connects technology with innovation to transform people’s lives.

Karya prioritizes communities living below the poverty line to ensure the app reaches those who need it most. Developing communities in India are overlooked regarding economic opportunities, but Karya gives them a chance. 

The app is a stepping stone for people. It has a cut-off of $1,500, which gives Indians the economic stability they need. Karya gives Indians the financial opportunity to create a better life for themselves. The app is changing the world for the better.

The Impact 

Although a new technological advancement, Karya is already alleviating poverty in India. The hourly wage in India is about $2.14. Karya pays its employees a minimum of $5 per hour. On top of that, Karya employees make a profit anytime someone uses their recordings. This increase in economic opportunity helps alleviate poverty in India by allowing citizens to access more resources and advance their lives. 

Since the start of Karya, Indians have completed 30 million paid digital tasks. These came from more than 30,000 workers who utilized the app’s opportunities. Karya has partnered with amazing organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bloomberg, Microsoft Research and many more. More than 100 districts in India have used Karya. In the upcoming years, this outreach is bound to expand.

Moving Forward

Karya continues to expand and reach new parts of India. The foundation is still working on clearing all citizens’ paths to gain economic stability. With organizations like Karya, people can make a change. With a vision and a dedicated staff, much good can happen. New languages and data sets are updated frequently on the website to reach new opportunities. Karya is raising awareness around poverty in India and making a difference in the world. The foundation looks to be an industry leader in ethical data collection today and in the future.

– Madison Rogers
Photo: Flickr

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How Technology is Reducing Poverty in Mozambique

Reducing Poverty in Mozambique
The southern African nation Mozambique stretches across the Indian Ocean coastline, hosting picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters. Yet, despite the beautiful nature of this country, the extreme poverty rate is prevalent in Mozambique. Roughly 62% of the population is multidimensionally poor, about 21 million people. However, there is hope, with the extreme poverty rate projected to decrease to 57% by 2025. The assistance of technology is making reducing poverty in Mozambique a reality.

The Situation

Over the past five years, there has been an obvious increase in poverty rates in Mozambique. With a crisis generated by decreasing foreign direct investment, military attacks and natural disasters, it is not hard to see why Mozambique is struggling. The discovery of hidden debts incurred by the government in 2013 led to a retraction of foreign aid, food price spikes and a reduction in household consumption. This multiplier effect has led to the number of Mozambicans living in extreme poverty increasing by 55% to 60%. 

How Mozambique’s Digital Transformation Has Helped

Mozambique’s digital transformation has developed hugely since 2020, yet still only 21.7% of the population are internet users as of 2021. However, the percentage of people who have internet access has more than doubled from 15 to 32% between 2015 and 2021. COVID-19 aided companies to move to these online platforms and remain sustainable, being further supported by the World Bank, which offered Mozambique a $150 million grant to support the Digital Governance and Economy Project. The project intends to improve digital business opportunities and public services to provide job opportunities and increase the quality of life for Mozambicans. This is just one of the examples of the many initiatives using technology to reduce poverty in Mozambique. 

Another impressive initiative using technology to aid poverty in Mozambique is the Mozambique Digital Acceleration Project. The project is a collaboration between the Government of Mozambique and the World Bank Group to ensure Mozambicans are able to access the internet and increase their earning potential. The goals include the expansion of mobile broadband networks to cover more than 2 million people in deeply rural areas, free public Wi-Fi access points, policy reforms in the telecom sector and investments in the core digital infrastructure. 

Barriers to Reducing Poverty in Mozambique

However, there are major barriers to technology reducing poverty in Mozambique. The high cost of devices, unfamiliarity with the Internet and a low (48%) literacy rate obstruct Mozambicans from achieving technological advancement. Limited access to electricity and financial services alongside the emerging mining projects that continue to drive ICT infrastructure investments disadvantage many rural areas. 

Ultimately, these technological improvements will be life-changing for many Mozambicans. Increased digitization of the economy will pave the way for a more empowered and resilient country. The International Telecommunications Union estimates that every 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration in Africa leads to an additional 2.5% growth in GDP per capita. The positive multiplier effects of implementing technology will be endless, helping to move the economy away from natural resource extraction, expanding opportunities for business development and even providing better warnings of natural disasters. 

– Gracie Gobat
Photo: Flickr

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Education Technology Solutions: Bridging the Global Education Gap

Education TechnologyAs the world continues to grapple with persistent inequalities in access to quality education, the emergence of innovative education technology (EdTech) offers renewed hope for bridging the global education gap. Socioeconomic disparities and geographical barriers continue to undermine the universal right to education, leaving a vast number of children and youth out of school. EdTech solutions, including diverse initiatives such as open online courses and interactive digital learning platforms, have begun to demonstrate their potential to make education more accessible and widen the scope of high-quality learning opportunities across the globe.

The Global Education Gap: EdTech as a Solution

According to UNESCO, more than 258 million children and youth were out of school in 2019. This figure represents a significant hindrance to global development, worsening both poverty and inequality. Therefore, bridging this gap is an urgent global priority that demands immediate and comprehensive interventions.

In response to this pressing need, EdTech has emerged as a potential game-changer for education across the globe. These technologies include an array of educational initiatives ranging from open online courses to interactive digital learning platforms. Not only do these platforms make learning more engaging and personalized, but they also hold the potential to make education more accessible. In overcoming physical, social and economic barriers, bridging the education gap becomes more attainable.

The Interplay of EdTech and Poverty Alleviation

Beyond its potential in education, EdTech is playing a crucial role in poverty reduction. When efficiently incorporated into educational systems, technology can empower individuals and communities, ultimately enabling social mobility. The World Bank affirms that EdTech can foster economic transformations by shifting toward knowledge-based models. These models are not only more sustainable but also foster equitable growth in the long run. 

Ensuring Inclusive Adoption of EdTech

While the adoption of education technology is rapidly gaining momentum, it’s crucial to ensure that these advances do not inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities. To maximize the potential benefits of EdTech, there is a pressing need for a coordinated, holistic approach. Governments, NGOs and private sectors must collaborate to ensure that these technologies are accessible and beneficial to all learners, preventing the emergence of a digital divide in education.

EdTech in Action

Taking the digital leap, programs like Samsung’s Smart Class are playing a pivotal role in rural India. Samsung India’s initiative provides classrooms with Wi-Fi and necessary training for teachers to effectively employ advanced digital tools like interactive Smartboards, laptops and tablets. The result is a noteworthy increase in student engagement and comfort with technology. On the African continent, two significant projects, BraceKids and Africa Code Week, are introducing coding to hundreds of thousands of children. These programs provide programming language workshops, equipping young minds with important digital skills for the future.

Efforts are also underway to promote diversity in tech education. Nonprofits like Rails Girls, founded in Finland, offer worldwide training in basic programming, sketching and prototyping to encourage women to engage with technology. Another example of this is with the Ministries of Education, which is exploring virtual reality (VR) for classrooms, globally. In Singapore, the Rails Girls is partnering with a local company to create virtual field trips, meant to supplement, not replace, traditional learning. Early results show students’ insights have improved with this tool. These initiatives exemplify the potential of EdTech in bridging the global education gap. By demonstrating how technology can help facilitate education and provide quality learning opportunities, these efforts shine a light on the path toward a more digitally inclusive educational future.

Education technology holds remarkable potential to bridge the global education gap and to fundamentally reshape the future of learning. However, the journey to realizing this vision is complex and requires meticulous planning and execution. Successfully rising to the challenge opens the path for EdTech to revolutionize the education landscape, extend learning opportunities to those previously left behind and make a significant contribution to global poverty alleviation efforts.

– Mari Caitlin Riggles 
Photo: Flickr

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4 Ways Blockchain Technology Aids Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Poverty Alleviation in NigeriaWith approximately 4 in 10 Nigerians living below the national poverty line, the “Giant of Africa” needs effective strategies to tackle these alarming rates and promote inclusive growth. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, innovative solutions empower impoverished communities. Blockchain technology offers the potential to be one technological game-changer in the process of achieving poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

What is Blockchain technology?

Blockchain technology is a decentralized digital ledger that securely records transactions across multiple computers. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, where each transaction, or “block,” is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain. This technology ensures transparency, security and trust as all participants in the network have access to the same information, eliminating the need for intermediaries and enhancing efficiency.

4 Ways Blockchain Technology Helps Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

  1. Advancements in Financial Inclusion: Initiatives such as “Project GIANT” by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aim to leverage blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion in the country. Under Project GIANT, the CBN has partnered with financial institutions and technology companies to develop a blockchain-based solution for Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. KYC is a crucial process for accessing financial services, but it can be challenging for individuals in underserved areas who lack formal identification documents. By utilizing blockchain technology, Project GIANT enables individuals to create and manage their digital identities securely fostering sustainable change for poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
  2. Transparent Governance and Anti-Corruption Efforts: By implementing blockchain-based systems for public service delivery, procurement processes and records management, Nigeria can increase transparency and reduce corruption. This ultimately allows for an efficient utilization of public resources and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. One successful example is the “Abuja Electronic Government Records and Document Management System” (E-Records System) implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA. Through the E-Records System, government agencies in Abuja can securely store and manage various types of documents, including land titles, property records, permits, licenses and official correspondences. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures that no single entity can manipulate or falsify records, reducing the potential for corrupt practices.
  3. Secure and Transparent Social Programs: Using Blockchain’s transparency and tamper-resistant features, Nigeria can guarantee that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries, minimizing leakages and improving the effectiveness of poverty alleviation in Nigeria. The “Building Blocks” initiative by the World Food Programme (WFP) was piloted in collaboration with the government of Nigeria and focused on providing food assistance to vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by conflict. WFP currently distributes food and money (including mobile-phone-based transfers) to 1.2 million people each month in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno. They profited off blockchain technology to improve the delivery of food assistance by enhancing transparency, reducing fraud and ensuring aid reached the intended beneficiaries.
  4. Access to Funding and Investments: Blockchain-based crowdfunding and tokenization platforms can democratize access to funding and investments. Entrepreneurs, including those in underserved areas, can showcase their ideas and projects to a global pool of investors, potentially attracting financial support for business ventures that can generate employment and economic growth. One notable example is the Nigerian “Farmcrowdy” platform that connects small-scale farmers with investors through a blockchain-based crowdfunding model. The platform enables individuals to invest in various agricultural projects, such as poultry, crop farming and fish farming, by providing funds for inputs, equipment and other farming needs. The impact on poverty alleviation in Nigeria has been significant, with farmers’ incomes increasing by an average of 50% per hectare in two years after registration and 500,000 new jobs in the areas of processing, transport and warehousing and cooling.

A Positive Impact

Overall, Blockchain technology presents a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable development. It’s a promise of progress that can boost the Nigerian economy by $29 billion by 2030. While it continues to evolve and demonstrate its potential, its impact on Nigeria’s development and poverty alleviation efforts can inspire other nations to explore and adopt similar solutions tailored to their specific contexts and challenges.

– Miriam Schuller
Photo: Pixabay