Digital development

With an increase in new technologies designed to improve the lives of low-income populations and the rising number of mobile phone users throughout the world, international development projects can achieve high-level outcomes that were once thought to be out of reach.

FHI 360’s digital development experts have extensive, diverse experience in digital financial services, information and communications technologies (ICTs) for agriculture, digital inclusion and data-informed development to implement and strengthen projects across many development sectors. Whether working to standardize mobile data collection methods to help close the digital gender gap, digitizing salary payments for civil servants, supporting innovative business models for remote Internet connectivity or publishing advanced ICT how-to guides, FHI 360 uses the latest technology and data-driven techniques to maximize project impact.

Our past and current projects span multiple sectors and geographies, from digital financial services in Liberia to digital inclusion and mHealth (mobile health) in Mozambique, and from agriculture to education. Some of our expertise areas include:

Digital financial services

Without access to banking services, individuals are at an increased risk of theft, corruption and bad credit. Accessible and affordable financial services can be a pathway out of poverty toward economic empowerment. FHI 360 collaborates with public and private stakeholders to build robust digital ecosystems that become the foundation for financial inclusion and connect the unbanked to financial services that have the power to transform their lives.

Information and communications technology for agriculture

Over the past 10 years, the emergence of digital technology has enabled farmers to overcome many of the challenges they face, such as climate change and evolving market changes. The digital development team puts into action innovations that increase financial inclusion, improve data-driven decisionmaking and increase access to critical livelihoods information in developing countries.

Digital inclusion

Reliable, affordable access to technology is essential for both social and economic development. But, digital inclusion means more than having access to a mobile connection. It also means an individual is able to afford mobile services, value them and use them correctly and effectively. FHI 360 works to close the digital divide by focusing on business solutions. Partnering with local governments, communities and the private sector, we foster enabling policy and regulatory environments, innovative new business models and relevant local content to make technology accessible and useful to underserved populations.

Data-informed development

Mobile phone-based, real-time data can empower decisionmakers to adapt their programming effectively and efficiently. Mobile data collection tools can rapidly clean, aggregate and share information; eliminate errors; perform powerful analyses; and produce compelling visualizations for adaptive project management. FHI 360 builds capacity around mobile data collection and supports projects so they can incorporate mobile data solutions into their programs.

Supporting technology entrepreneurs and ecosystems

To take their ideas to market, entrepreneurs need access to training, investment, mentorship and networks. The digital development team is strengthening technology ecosystems globally by creating forums in which entrepreneurs, investors, donors and large private-sector companies can discuss opportunities, barriers to growth and social impact solutions.

This video was produced by and has been included with permission from Momentum for Change.

You are here

Digital development