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Two IDRC Partners Named Top Achievers

2008-01

IDRC congratulates two of its partners for having won 2007 African ICT Achievers Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that have made a difference to the information and communication technologies (ICT) industry in Africa.

Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK) won the Top ICT Civil Society/NGO in Africa award, while Brian Longwe, general manager of AfriSPA (African Internet Service Provider Associations) was named Top ICT Business Man in Africa. Longwe is also CEO of InHand Limited, a Kenya-based provider of specialized ICT equipment and services.

Adapted from a Canadian government program, CFSK provides computers to schools and ICT training for students, and gives new life to old equipment.

Secondary school students trained by CFSK are refurbishing used computers collected from local businesses for use in their schools. CFSK also provides computer training for teachers, principals, and school board members. For more information

AfriSPA, a non-profit corporation, promotes the development of key Internet infrastructure in Africa and of a free and open telecommunications market. As AfriSPA’s GM and leader of an IDRC-supported project, Longwe has helped provide several African countries with technical, regulatory, and policy support to set up such measures as cost-saving Internet Exchange Points. For more information

“I will use this award to best highlight Africa as an investment destination to the rest of the world,” said Longwe. “ICT in Africa is probably the one thing that will help us leap from being a Third World region into joining the rest of the world in the knowledge economy.”

The awards were announced on November 17 in Johannesburg, South Africa, during a gala event.

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