About us

Welcome to Smart Innovations and Digital Hub – Africa (SIDH-Africa),

Smart Innovations and Digital Hub – Africa (SIDH-Africa), an NGO that is committed to harnessing the power of technology for social change. We believe that technology can be a catalyst for positive transformation, and we are passionate about making it accessible to all.

Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing access to smart innovations and digital solutions. We believe that by bridging the digital divide and offering education and training in digital skills and technology, we can create a more equitable and just society.

At SIDH-Africa, we are dedicated to promoting innovation and creativity. We support startups and entrepreneurs with technology-based solutions, and we collaborate with local partners to develop innovative solutions to social and economic challenges. We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to build partnerships that create meaningful change.

Our team of experts is passionate about technology and dedicated to creating a positive impact on society. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the tech world, and we leverage our expertise to create solutions that meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.

Join us on our journey to create a world where technology is accessible and utilized to its fullest potential for the betterment of society. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all.

SIDH-Africa, we believe that technology can be a powerful tool for social change. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing access to smart innovations and digital solutions. We strive to bridge the digital divide by offering education and training in digital skills and technology.

We are committed to harnessing the power of technology to create a better world. Our goal is to promote innovation and creativity and to support startups and entrepreneurs with technology-based solutions. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access and utilize the benefits of technology, regardless of their background or circumstances.

We are proud of our collaborative approach, working with local partners to develop innovative solutions to social and economic challenges. Our team of experts is passionate about technology and dedicated to creating a positive impact on society.

Join us on our journey to create a world where technology is accessible and utilized to its fullest potential for the betterment of society. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all.

Access to the Internet, Innovative Skill and Digital Inclusion

One of the most essential criteria for preparing students for the future is a high-quality internet connection. Students without access to the internet, appropriate learning digital devices, digital literacy, and relevant content face an ever-widening homework gap, from learning how to quickly discover and analyze information to gaining the skills needed for tomorrow’s professions.

As the global pandemic drives more and more learning online, this gap will disproportionately impact those students with the fewest resources.  

  • Half of all students currently out of the classroom—or nearly 830 million learners globally—do not have access to a computer. Additionally, more than 40% have no Internet access at home. (UNESCO)
  • On average, 17% of U.S. teens are unable to complete homework because they lack a reliable computer or Internet connection. This number jumps to 25% for Black teens and 24% for families earning under $30K/year. (Pew Research Center)
  • UNESCO estimates that at least 500 million children and youth are currently excluded from public education, partly because of lack of connectivity. The share of students with no access to Internet at home is as high as 80% in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The World Economic Forum estimates that 54% of all employees will require significant re-skilling by 2022.
  • 37% of workers in Europe do not have even basic digital skills, let along the more advanced and specialized skills that many companies seek. (European Commission)
  • 76% of Black and 62% of Hispanic people could get shut out or be under-prepared for 86% of jobs in the US by 2045. If this digital racial gap is not addressed, in one generation alone, digitization could render the country’s minorities into an unemployment abyss. (Benton Foundation)

The United Nations has recognized the importance of technology and digital skills in achieving sustainable development. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a specific target (SDG 9c), to “significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.”

Digital Skill Development ​

Smart Innovations and Digital Skill Development

SIDH-Africa focuses on smart innovations and digital skill development programs which are increasingly significant in today’s world due to its potential to transform societies and improve people’s lives. Here are some of the key reasons why SIDH-Africa adopts digital skill and smart innovations:

Economic growth: Digital skills and smart innovations are critical to driving economic growth in the 21st century. They are essential to creating new industries and jobs, and to improving productivity in existing industries.

Social inclusion: Digital skills and smart innovations can help bridge the digital divide and promote social inclusion. They enable people to access education, healthcare, financial services, and other essential services, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.

Improved governance: Digital technologies can facilitate more efficient and transparent governance, making it easier for citizens to participate in the democratic process and hold their governments accountable.

Environmental sustainability: Smart innovations can contribute to environmental sustainability by enabling more efficient use of resources and reducing waste. Digital technologies can also be used to monitor and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Personal development: Digital skills are becoming increasingly important for personal development and career advancement. They are essential for staying competitive in the job market and for lifelong learning.

Overall, the significance of smart innovations and digital skill development lies in their potential to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Equal learning opportunity

The digital divide is a problem that affects people from all walks of life. It is a multifaceted issue, but two main characteristics define this gap: access to high-speed internet and access to reliable digital devices. Many of the students and individuals who struggle from the digital divide face both. In some areas, internet access is either limited, unavailable, or unaffordable for those who could be equipped. Even with a reliable internet connection, access to certain digital spaces can remain a challenge, always just out of reach for those who can’t afford costly tools like laptops and software.

This leaves countless students and professionals to rely on public computers or their mobile devices as their only tools to exist in an increasingly digital world. It leaves many more, like those in rural areas or living under the poverty line, without even that. 

Education is an important foundation for the rest of our lives and by limiting the opportunities in early life, the playing field will never be truly even in higher education, the workplace, or our communities as a whole. As we’ve seen in recent years, remote work is a crucial part of a competitive economy. Giving individuals and students the opportunity to have a remote to digital platforms regardless of where they live is just one of the ways to help bridge the gap between competitive professional opportunities in urban and rural areas. Digital spaces are a crucial part of modern communities and have become a foundation for social, professional, and academic networks. Excluding individuals from these spaces means widening the network gap while leaving out important perspectives and cultures.

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