The internet has enabled mass information sharing and in recent years, education has been taken to the next level thanks to e-learning programs and applications. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, lack of reliable internet access prevents citizens from benefitting from online education. Innovative entrepreneurs, like the founders of our portfolio company, BRCK, are working to solve this problem and deliver global internet access. Below are articles highlighting how achieving global connectivity will contribute to … read more
ICT Developments in Africa
Lack of reliable internet connectivity, local data storage and hosting services negatively impact the productivity of SMEs in Africa. Entrepreneurs have identified the need for affordable, reliable ICT products and services and companies like Angani and BRCK are stepping up to develop and market innovative solutions. Below are recent articles looking at recent developments in ICT across Africa. Kenya’s Angani Formally Launches Cloud Services by Tom Jackson on Disrupt Africa Our portfolio company, Angani, … read more
Mobile Technology Updates
Following last week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, we’re exploring updates in the mobile technology space and the potential impact on emerging markets. Availability of mobile money: What does the global industry landscape look like in 2014? by Jennifer Frydrych on GSMA At last week’s Mobile World Congress, GSMA’s Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) released its 2014 State of the Industry Report on Mobile Financial Services. Frydrych, researcher and author of the report, discusses … read more
Developments in Mobile Technology and Connectivity
At Invested Development, one major investment focus is information and communications technology (ICT) that promote global connectivity. This week’s articles highlight progress towards connectivity for all. Grow Connectivity for the Developing World by Daniel Burrus on Huffington Post Internet access is arguably a basic human right, much like access to clean water. And it should be: connectivity provides people with information at a relatively low cost, unlocking opportunities to accelerate economic development. Unfortunately, there are … read more
Cloud Services in Africa
Cloud-based solutions are spreading throughout Africa, boosting the ICT sector and offering opportunities for local business growth. Below are articles highlighting how cloud integration is impacting the continent.
How the Cloud Can Power Entrepreneurship and Urbanisation in Africa by Derek Kudsee on IT Web Africa
Africa has seen incredible economic growth in the past decade. Income has grown by 30% on the continent and six out of the world’s ten fastest growing economies are in … read more
Mobile Money Updates
The mobile money industry continues to grow in the developing world, offering financial inclusion to the masses that were previously without access to financial services. Below are a few recent articles highlighting exciting developments in the industry.
Mobile Money Continues to Penetrate Africa by Emmanuel Iruobe on Ventures Africa
According to an industry report by the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA), the mobile money industry is continuing to expand across more regions in Africa. … read more
Kenya’s BRCK raises $1.2M to connect the last mile to the internet
Kenya’s BRCK raises $1.2M to connect the last mile to the internet
July 9, 2014
Nairobi, Kenya
Ushahidi spinout BRCK Inc. announced today that it has closed a $1.2 million seed round. BRCK is solving last-mile connectivity problems with a device that can bring seamless internet connection to the most remote areas of the world.
Invested Development, an early stage impact investor, led the round for the Nairobi-based technology startup. Invested Development, Omvestments, Urban.us, Cheryl … read more
Mobile Technology in Latin America
After nearly a decade of increases, GDP growth in Latin America slowed from 4.4 percent in 2011 to 3.2 percent in 2012 and 4.0 percent in 2013. Despite slowing growth, Latin American countries are still innovating and embracing new ICT. We are always looking for start ups and innovators to bring technology to Latin America.
‘Colombia will be 1st country in Latin America completely connected to internet:’ Santos by Daniel Freeman on Colombia Reports
Recently, … read more
Agriculture in Africa
Agriculture employs 65% of Africa’s labor force and accounts for 32% of gross domestic product overall. Of the 65% employed, smallholder farmers produce 80% of Africa’s food. With modern technology, African countries are taking initiatives to change the agricultural sector.
Science Agriculture Estate Programme to Begins Next Year on Ghana News Agency
On November 19, Seth Terkper, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, announced that the Ghanaian government will begin working on an … read more