Essential Tools and Resources for Community Networks

Thank you for joining the first session of the Virtual Summit on Community Networks in Africa 2021-2022.

The coronavirus pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors. Unfortunately, the unconnected communities are at a disadvantage as essential services and information including much-needed health information on vaccines is now delivered using digital technologies. Community networks are working to close this gap through holistic digital inclusion. As the movement grows in Africa, there is a need for tools and resources to support both new and existing networks to become sustainable and scalable.

The objective of this session was to present essential tools and resources that community networks can use in navigating the different stages and processes needed in setting up and operating a sustainable community network.

The Internet Society and APC shared some tools, regulatory and policy updates happening in the space. The session gave participants an opportunity to share some challenges and recommend tools that may be needed to address those gaps.

Together, we can connect the world. One community at the time. 

Moderator and Panelists

Portrait photo  of Lillian Achom

Lillian Achom

AccessPlus

Fourteen years with community outreach programs, Lillian Achom is experienced in establishing women-led Community Networks to bring Internet services to rural and remote communities in East, South, West and Northern… Read more about Lillian Achom

Portrait photo  of Carlos Rey-Moreno

Carlos Rey-Moreno

Association for Progressive Communications (APC)

Dr. Carlos Rey-Moreno is a telecommunications engineer with a background on development studies. Carlos has been involved in rural connectivity projects in underserved areas for more than ten years, initially… Read more about Carlos Rey-Moreno

Portrait photo  of Steve Song

Steve Song

Mozilla Corporation

Steve Song is a Policy Advisor with the Mozilla Corporation, a consultant on access regulation and policy to the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), and a research associate with the… Read more about Steve Song

Portrait photo  of Verengai Mabika

Verengai Mabika

Former Senior Policy Advisor - Africa

Verengai was the Senior Policy Advisor - Africa at the Internet Society until September 2023. Image credit: © Jordi Ruiz Cirera/Panos Read more about Verengai Mabika

Portrait photo  of Sol Luca de Tena

Sol Luca de Tena

Zenzeleni Community Networks

Sol has spent her life living and working between South Africa and Spain, and calls both countries home. She has over a decade of experience in strategic project management within… Read more about Sol Luca de Tena

Organizers and Sponsors

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