Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are transforming the way governments, business and individuals learn, work and communicate with each other. If they are employed strategically within development programmes to promote access and sharing of relevant knowledge as well as fostering participation of the poor and marginalised in decision- making processes that affect their lives, ICTs help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

SDC focus

The focus of SDC from 2001 to 2008 was to support international mainstreaming efforts of ICTs in development processes, e.g. through supporting a series of targeted publications, thematic roundtables and particularly through strengthening to the development perspective and the multi-stakeholder process in the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS). In addition to a direct support to the WSIS process and the promotion of the active participation of Civil Society Organisations from the South and the East therein, SDC has directly participated in and supported a whole range of organisations and networks active in the area of ICT4D (see below).

Support for most of these organisations was phased out between 2008 and 2010. The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) is responsible for Switzerland’s commitments in this area, in collaboration with the ECOSOC Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The SDC is currently focusing on the integration of ICTs in its own projects and programmes (as a strategic instrument).

Background

ICTs encompass a full range of increasingly converging technologies, including traditional and emerging devices such as interactive community radios, television, mobile phones, computer and network hardware and software, the Internet, satellite systems, and podcasting. The effective use of Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is not just a question of infrastructure and software. It also requires an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework and the development of human capacity and relevant content. Holistic and contextualised implementation of ICTs is complex as it depends considerably on the sector or theme in which they are employed as well as the overall socio-economic context (access and affordability of infrastructure, human capacity, cultural habits). Thus ICTs should not be seen as a panacea for all development problems but rather an important tool to be applied as part of a broader strategy for sustainable development.

ICTs can be employed fulfilling three partly overlapping functions:

  • Access: Using ICTs to facilitate access to and sharing of timely and relevant information and knowledge.
  • Voice and Communication: Using ICTs to strengthen the voice of poor, excluded and disadvantaged people in decision-making and self-expression of their culture.
  • Networking: Using ICTs for networking and human communication while fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve effects on a larger scale (up-scaling).

The transformative potential of ICTs as a tool can be particularly harnessed to

  • increase efficiency: reaching more people while reducing transaction costs.
  • increase effectiveness: in terms of process, ownership, participation, networking and improvement of governance and better delivery of basic services such as education agricultural extension, microfinance and health.
  • improve innovation and productivity: for example for micro, small and medium enterprises through better access to information, credit, markets and procurement using ICT tools in management, marketing and distribution channels.

Links

Documents

Connecting people for a better world
Are information and communication technologies (ICT) such as computers, TV or mobile phones effective instruments to empower people, reduce poverty and improve lives? This book offers new answers to these questions.
Publication ICT4D – Connecting people for a better world (PDF, 2.1 MB)

Up-scaling pro-poor ICT-policies and practices
a review of experience with emphasis on low income countries in Asia and Africa
[en] (PDF, 1.9 MB, English)

Building Bridges across Time and Space – Experience and Success of a Telemedicine Pilot Project in Mongolia
Asia Brief - May 2013
[en] (PDF, Number of pages 4, 413.9 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies and large-scale poverty reduction - SDC/Panos 2005
Lessons from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Edited by Kitty Warnock and Ravi Wickremasinghe in cooperation with John McGill and Gerolf Weigel. Published by Panos London.
[en] (PDF, 799.0 kB, English)

ICTs and Education – Public-Private Partnership to connect Schools to the Net
A National Model in Switzerland - Summary of the Final Report
[en] (PDF, Number of pages 11, 1.7 MB, English)

Deepening Participation and Improving Aid Effectiveness through Media and ICTs
A Practical Manual Translating Lessons Learned into Daily Practice – SDC Working Paper
[en] (PDF, Number of pages 25, 632.2 kB, English)

Un seul monde
No 4/03 - Société de l'information
[fr] (PDF, 1.5 MB, French)

Chennai Statement - on Up-scaling Pro-Poor ICT Policies
[en] (PDF, Number of pages 6, 143.3 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Poverty Reduction?
Discussion Paper - World Summit on Information Society WSIS 2003
[en] (PDF, Number of pages 71, 759.0 kB, English)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Poverty Reduction
in Sub Saharan Africa - A learning Study (Synthesis)
[en] (PDF, 454.3 kB, English)

Current projects

Object 853 – 864 of 971

Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP) - Phase II

01.11.2019 - 30.06.2023

The GWSP is a leading global "think tank" of the World Bank to address the water and sanitation challenge in an integrated manner, as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. GWSP advances innovative global knowledge production and exchange as well as builds capacity through country-level support across regions.


Naryn Wastewater Rehabilitation Project - Phase II

01.11.2019 - 31.12.2023

The Naryn Wastewater Rehabilitation Project will support the city of Naryn and the municipal water company in providing a climate change resilient, reliable and sustainable access to sanitation for the city?s 39?000 inhabitants.


Market Access of Products of Terroir - Tunisia, Phase II

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2024

Improving the valorization of typical origin-based Tunisian products through a value chain approach is key to increase overall market access and employment opportunities. UNIDO and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will consolidate and upscale the approach and results of the previous SECO project.


Water Sector Performance and Investment Programme (WPIP)

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2026

WPIP aims for service improvement in the water supply and sewerage sector for up to 50% of Albania?s urban population. It combines infrastructure investments with comprehensive corporate development support to water utilities, strengthens the water sector framework and implements storm water reduction and integrity management measures.


EGPS Umbrella Trust Fund 2019-2025

01.10.2019 - 31.12.2025

The Extractive Global Programmatic Support umbrella trust fund aims to improve the ability and capacity of current and emerging resource-dependent developing countries in using their oil, gas and mineral resources transparently for poverty alleviation, economic diversification, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth.


Technopark Serbia 2 - boosting exports through technoparks

01.09.2019 - 31.12.2023

The overall objective of the project is to increase the competitiveness of the Serbian high-tech industry by developing a scalable model for Science Technology Parks (STP) in Serbia and implementing it in Ni? and Èaèak, thus contributing to increased revenues and exports from high-tech companies and job creation.


Sustainable tourism in Morocco

01.09.2019 - 31.03.2025

The first phase of this project in Morocco aims at supporting the provinces of Azilal and Béni Mellal to develop a sustainable rural tourism with integrated sectors in order to reduce poverty, generate income opportunities, create new jobs and improve existing jobs in this region, especially for young people and women.


Kosovo: Corporate Development Support for Wastewater Sector

01.08.2019 - 31.12.2022

On its path to achieving EU candidate status, Kosovo aims to comply with EU standards. Only 2% of its wastewater is currently treated, which results in contaminated rivers and groundwater. SECO can capitalize on previous Swiss achievements for supporting the capacity and corporate development in Kosovo?s wastewater sector.


Quality Food Trade in Ukraine

01.07.2019 - 31.08.2023

The program aims at increasing value addition in domestic and export trade by strengthening product quality and safety as well as trade capacities in the organic and dairy sector in Ukraine.


Sustainable Tourism - Southeast Destination

01.07.2019 - 31.12.2023

This project aims to contribute to the attractiveness of Southeast Tunisia and to improve the income and living conditions of the local population, through new approaches to sustainable, diversified and inclusive tourism. Swiss and UE programmes will work in synergy and disseminate the DMOs approach, developped in the previous SECO project.


Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, Phase II

01.07.2019 - 30.06.2023

The Swiss Entrepreneurship Program supports entrepreneurs in developing their growth-oriented businesses. They are the key drivers of innovation, economic growth and job creation.


Program for promoting sustainable investment through integrated ESG Standards

01.07.2019 - 30.06.2024

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and standards are essential for private sector investments, which play a critical role in the 2030 Global Agenda. They ensure that investments deliver sustainable and inclusive development results, driving long-term business success and forging confidence among stakeholders.

Object 853 – 864 of 971