Recycle/Reuse IT Equipment
ICT for SMEs
Digital Links understands that economic growth and development in Africa can be achieved through the emergence of strong SMEs, which will later grow to become major players in the developing economy.
Digital Links has developed a two-pronged approach to supporting SME growth in Africa. The first approach is to encourage young entrepreneurs to become partners in the distribution of ICT. Our business proposal will allow small businesses to realise reasonable margins and grow their organisations while generating immense benefits for local communities. We have developed great success stories through this approach and will continue to seek new partners who can act as models of effective and ethical business practice while creating incredible opportunities in their communities.
The second approach is through continued provision of computer infrastructure and hardware to SMEs who would not have otherwise have access given the prohibitive cost of new equipment. This will impact positively on their daily performance. So far hundreds of SMEs across the continent have received and used our refurbished computers for their day-to-day operations and activities.
Small and medium businesses and community based organisations also gain access to learning resources and materials alongside computer hardware. We can provide partners with a range of learning materials and software to help improve business performance, marketing skills, business plan conception and development.
According to the 2007-8 UNCTAD Information Economy Report, the use of ICT in business processes can also contribute to income generation and increased labour productivity.
| "ICT can reduce the cost of transactions and increase market access. However, wider adoption of ICTs by developing country enterprises is still limited by a lack of awareness of the potential benefits of ICT use, and by investment and implementation costs" UNCTAD IER, 2007-8 |
