• South Africa is the newest territory to host an HP and Aspen Institute Digital Equity Accelerator.
• To date, the accelerator has helped NPOs and NGOs reach 1.7 million people more than they previously would have.
• Interested organisations should apply before 30th January.

Last year, Aspen Institute and HP announced that their Digital Equity Accelerator would expand to three new countries namely, Malaysia, Mexico and South Africa.

The closing date for applications for the South African arm of the accelerator is 23:59 on 30th January and both non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are invited to apply. To be more specific, NPOs and NGOs which address social and economic injustice in their communities using technology are the sort of organisations the firms are looking to meet.

While South Africa is a new focus for the accelerator, the project has already helped scale seven NPOs and NGOs in India, Morocco and the US. These projects have helped these organisations reach 1.7 million more people collectively since the launch.

“Digital equity is more than just providing internet access, it is ensuring that everybody has the tools and digital literacy to use various technologies to their full potential, which will open up opportunities to participate in the digital economy,” explains Yesh Surjoodeen (pictured), managing director for HP South Africa.

This is the latest move from international firms looking to invest in the African continent. Especially notable given the current landscape surrounding technology startups.

Partech Africa reports that, despite a global pull pack in venture capital funding, the tech ecosystem in Africa saw 8 percent growth as compared to 2021.

“2022 was a particularly challenging year for the venture ecosystem worldwide, as venture and growth investors scaled back their investment by a third. However, by comparison, our report revealed the African tech ecosystem showed great resilience, as more investors have doubled their commitment to the continent by investing in local teams and funds dedicated to the market, which is proving to be the best way forward,” general partner at Partech, Tidjane Deme said.

Circling back to the Digital Equity Accelerator, selected organisations will receive HP solutions as well as R1.6 million in capacity-building grants, access to a network of international leaders, coaches and other experts.

“When people have access to technologies and the skills to use them, they have better opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare,” executive director of Aspen Digital, Vivian Schiller.

“We provide the resources for communities to tackle their unique challenges, and we do this through a responsible, sustainable and scalable approach that aims for digital equity and the rebalancing of systems of power to drive social progress for all.”

Applications for the accelerator close on 30th January 2023 and you can submit applications here.

Interested parties can also head to this URL to find out more about the accelerator.