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 97 – 108 of 971

Contribution au Mécanisme de réponse rapide (MRR) pour la riposte CoVID-19

01.09.2020 - 30.04.2021

La COVID-19 a impacté la capacité des acteurs humanitaires à conduire leurs activités alors que le pays est frappé par des mouvements de populations sans précédents. Suite à une demande du consortium du Mécanisme de réponse rapide (MRR) – dont Action contre la Faim (ACF) est le chef de file –, cette proposition de crédit a pour objectif de contribuer à atténuer les effets négatifs de l’épidémie sur la capacité des acteurs humanitaires à porter assistance aux personnes impactées par la crise actuelle.


Eritrea Vocational Skills Training

01.09.2020 - 30.09.2023

Building upon a successful pilot phase (2017-2019), Switzerland will continue to contribute to two well established NGO-ted initiatives on technical and vocational education and training in Eritrea. The initiatives aim at improving the quality of teaching in targeted vocational skills institutions and testing the possibility of engaging in entrepreneurial activities. Ultimately the goal is to contribute to giving better life perspectives and job-opportunities to young Eritreans in their home country.



Fighting COVID-19 and strengthening the health infrastructure with sustainable energy

01.09.2020 - 30.06.2022

The electrification of healthcare facilities is an important enabler of the quality and functioning of essential health services, including for the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients. At the same time, survival of the mini-grid and offgrid industry is key for providing everyone with sustainable energy access. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland supports a joint initiative by the World Bank, Gavi and the World Health Organisation to accelerate electrification of health care facilities and provide liquidity to financially suffering mini-grid and offgrid companies.


WHO R&D Blueprint COVID-19

01.09.2020 - 31.08.2023

At present, there are no vaccines, no curative treatments and a strong need for more rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19. Therefore, research is needed to accelerate timely, adequate, affordable and equitable access to these products. Switzerland supports WHO efforts to elaborate a research roadmap based on knowledge gaps for COVID-19 pandemic treatments, vaccines and related epidemiological studies, with a focus on low- and middle income countries.


Access to COVID-19 Diagnostics

01.09.2020 - 31.12.2023

Testing the right people, at the right moment and with the right tool is essential for the Covid-19 pandemic management. Both the Swiss international cooperation and the Swiss pharmaceutical sector have a long-standing experience and interest in supporting R&D, access and manufacturing of diagnostics.. The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) is leading the global effort (ACT-A Dx Partnership) in the development of affordable COVID-19 diagnostics and local manufacturing capacity for and in LMICs.  


Green Climate Fund Core Contribution 2020-2023 (GCF-1)

01.09.2020 - 31.12.2023

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) finances low-emission and climate-resilient development projects and programs with a focus on the most vulnerable countries. The Swiss contribution to GCF’s first formal replenishment period 2020-23 places Switzerland amongst the top ten donors based on per capita contributions. Switzerland advocates in the GCF governing board for impact-oriented projects with maximum development co-benefits, social inclusion and effective private sector engagement. 


Open source Health Insurance Management Information System (OpenIMIS)

01.09.2020 - 31.08.2023

Health related costs often represent a massive financial burden for poor households. Lack or inexistence of social protection mechanisms imply that ill and injured people have no choice but to pay out-of-pocket for services and care. Health insurance schemes potentially prevent households from falling into a poverty trap. SDC and BMZ have developed the only open-source software for fully managing a social health protection scheme. This tool will be further promoted and implemented in LMICs.


Decent work, protection and well-being for migrant workers and their families in Sri Lanka

01.09.2020 - 31.08.2024

The programme aims to maximise the benefits of migration for sustainable development in Sri Lanka. It will support government institutions and other actors in implementing policies related to fair and ethical recruitment, skills development and provide reintegration support for returning migrants in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. A special focus is placed on elevating migrant workers’ voices in advocacy. The intervention creates entry points to engage with the newly elected government in Sri Lanka. 


Contribution to WHO and UNICEF for the COVID-19 response in Mozambique

01.09.2020 - 31.08.2021

With this complementary contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Switzerland supports the Government of Mozambique to reduce morbidity and mortality due to the COVID-19  pandemic. The program envisages a comprehensive approach with health and Water Sanitation Hygiene components, and aims to develop local long term pandemic preparedness and response capacities for future public health emergencies.   


PSTIC: Provision of protection and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants in Greater Cairo

21.08.2020 - 31.12.2021

The increase in migrants and refugees residing in Egypt, coupled with shrinking humanitarian funding are leaving many at protection risk. With new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the protection risks have risen and needs are exacerbated. This project will respond to the immediate protection needs of refugees and migrants by providing a comprehensive package of gender sensitive emergency protection services in Greater Cairo, with a special focus on women and children at risk. 


Health Facilities Autonomy

01.08.2020 - 31.07.2023

Strong management and leadership’s capacity of decision-makers and health managers is central for a successful health reform. The project strengthens the health management system by modernizing continuous skills development and by updating regulations towards a transparent and competency based appointment as well as performance assessment of health managers.

 

 

Object 97 – 108 of 971