Hungry for change: ICT-enhanced enterprise financing

The arrival of 3G mobile phone technology to Africa and the growing access of African citizens to the Internet stimulate significant innovative ideas, particularly, when combined with prepackaged educational materials. To realize the optimum potential for a new era of entrepreneurship across the continent, expansion of micro-financing capitalization programs is necessary. The Ashburn Institute has established a successful micro finance model in Tanzania and continues to engage with technology companies for the delivery of prepackaged SME financing and education programs. This paper is a case study of the two-years ago established initiative the practical path of which could be followed by other local communities in Africa in providing skills and information for improving general public health, knowledge, contributing to poverty alleviation and improving everyday life of the population. ICT-industry focused and country-specific conclusions may be drawn from this experience to provide an argument for ICT policy support and expansion in African countries.