The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) is a non-profit foundation that specialises in information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool for development.

IICD creates practical and sustainable solutions using both modern media (such as computers, Internet, email and multimedia) and traditional media (such as radio and television) to connect people and enable them to benefit from ICT, thereby contributing to the Millenium Development Goals.

Together with partners from the public, private and non-profit sector, IICD puts knowledge, innovation and finance to work. Currently, IICD is active in Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Ghana, Jamaica, Mali, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia in the sectors education, environment, governance, health and livelihoods (agriculture).

ICT for Development (ICT4D)

Information, knowledge and communication are key to development, and used effectively can considerably improve the livelihoods and quality of life of people in developing countries.

As well as having insufficient access to food, education and health care, disadvantaged people in developing countries may lack access to public services, technical innovations and even electricity. They may be excluded from political processes, be unaware of what is going on, and unable to voice their needs.

ICT can be a powerful economic, social and political tool when placed in their hands. It can help them to access, process and disseminate information quickly, effectively and on an unprecedented scale. Better access to ICT is particularly vital in enabling them to address issues such as poverty, illiteracy and general lack of development.

Our view on ICT and development

People

People are at the heart of our work in development - their needs – their involvement – and their future. Using ICT to empower people, enabling them to improve their living standards and quality of life, is one of IICD’s main objectives.

ICT

Technology is not the prime objective; it is merely an essential link to the benefits that can be gained via information and communication. As most developing countries have limited or low connectivity, IICD looks for the best ways to connect people and create new opportunities. These may include mobile solutions or combinations of modern and traditional media – like radio and TV with computers and the Internet.

Development

We use ICT as an effective tool to support existing and new development activities. We focus on 'traditional' development sectors, such as education, governance, health, livelihood opportunities (especially in agriculture) and the environment. ICT is a way to empower people, enabling them to improve their living standards and quality of life.

More than ten years of experience with people, ICT and development

In 2006, IICD celebrated ten years of innovative approaches to using ICT for development. Over the years, we have accumulated valuable experience in supporting projects, programmes and policy processes, clearly linking these to poverty alleviation and the wider Millennium Development Goals.

Our evidence base has grown over the years, including valuable feedback from project partners, and direct and indirect beneficiaries. Our evidence base continues to grow, providing valuable learning experiences, and enabling us to increase our accountability. We continuously reinvest the knowledge gained, using it to enhance our existing work and identify future opportunities.

How you can help IICD

IICD brings knowledge, innovation and finance together with partners from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. If you or your organisation would like to find out more about how you can collaborate with IICD, please contact us.

You can also read more about Public-Private Partnerships in our brochure ‘It pays to connect’.