In today’s world, the power of technology is often discussed in terms of convenience, efficiency, or profits. But for those of us who have seen its real-world impact, especially in underserved areas, technology is so much more. It is a force for transformation, a bridge across social and economic divides, and a powerful tool for uplifting communities.
Technology isn’t just about gadgets or coding—it’s about empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity. And the good news? We are just scratching the surface of what it can achieve, particularly in the developing world.
1. The Digital Divide: An Issue That’s Hard to Ignore
Before we get into the transformative power of technology, let’s acknowledge the challenge—the digital divide. This is the gap between those who have access to modern technologies and those who don’t. In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas like where I grew up, access to basic tech is still limited. But here’s the thing: the divide is not just about gadgets or the internet—it’s about the opportunities that come with them.
Without access to technology, people miss out on education, health services, financial resources, and even basic information. And it’s often the communities that need it most—those struggling with poverty or exclusion—that face the greatest barriers. But the beauty of technology is that once that access is there, the changes can be exponential. It doesn’t just solve problems; it opens up new worlds of possibility.
2. Access to Education: The Key to Everything
One of the most profound ways technology uplifts communities is through education. I can’t stress this enough—education is the great equaliser. Growing up, I didn’t have access to the best resources, but once I got my hands on a computer, it felt like the entire world opened up. For many young people today, especially in remote or underserved areas, the internet provides an unprecedented opportunity for learning.
The Role of EdTech
EdTech (education technology) has completely changed the game. With online courses, learning apps, and even remote tutoring, children and adults who previously had little to no access to education can now study everything from basic literacy to advanced AI. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and local initiatives like Africa Teen Geeks are giving young Africans a chance to compete globally.
For instance, Teachify Africa—one of the projects I co-founded—was created with the belief that AI education shouldn’t be a privilege. We focus on bringing AI and digital literacy to underserved communities, ensuring that kids from rural areas can learn about emerging tech fields. When you give people access to education through technology, you’re not just teaching them skills—you’re empowering them to change their lives.
Bridging the Gap
A great example of technology bridging the educational gap is the rise of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). For someone in a remote village in Southern Africa, a reliable internet connection can provide access to lectures from top universities like Harvard and MIT. Suddenly, geography and finances aren’t barriers to world-class education. And that’s where the magic happens—technology turns obstacles into opportunities.
3. Healthcare and Technology: A Lifeline for Rural Areas
If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s that technology in healthcare is no longer optional—it’s essential. The way technology has uplifted communities, especially in healthcare, is nothing short of revolutionary. Telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and mobile health apps have transformed how care is delivered, particularly in rural or underserved areas where doctors and healthcare professionals are scarce.
Telemedicine and Mobile Health
In regions where medical facilities are few and far between, telemedicine apps have become lifesavers—quite literally. Through mobile phones, people can now connect with doctors, receive diagnoses, and even get prescriptions without needing to travel for hours to the nearest clinic. One project that stands out is Hello Doctor in South Africa, which provides expert advice and basic health consultations via text messaging.
This use of technology does more than just provide healthcare; it offers peace of mind. For communities that may not have immediate access to hospitals or clinics, technology becomes a bridge, offering not just treatment but hope.
4. Economic Empowerment: How Tech Enables Financial Inclusion
Let’s talk about financial inclusion. I’ve seen the difference that access to basic financial services can make, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In many parts of Africa, people don’t have access to traditional banking services, which limits their ability to save, invest, or even conduct business. But technology is changing that narrative.
Mobile Money and Digital Payments
The most revolutionary development in this space has been the rise of mobile money. In Kenya, for example, M-Pesa has empowered millions of people to access banking services via their mobile phones. What started as a simple mobile payment solution has grown into a platform where people can save, invest, borrow, and even buy insurance. For many, mobile money is more reliable than traditional banking—and far more accessible.
When communities gain access to financial services, it unlocks a world of possibilities. People can start businesses, pay for education, invest in agriculture, and lift themselves out of poverty. And let’s not forget the role of digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, where technology ensured that economic activities could continue, even when physical interactions were restricted.
5. Entrepreneurship: Technology as the Ultimate Equaliser
If there’s one thing that excites me about technology, it’s the way it’s democratising entrepreneurship. From my own journey as a tech entrepreneur, I’ve seen how access to digital tools can turn a simple idea into a global business. The barriers to entry are lower than ever before, thanks to technology. Whether it’s building an e-commerce platform, launching an app, or providing freelance services online, tech has levelled the playing field for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Digital Platforms and Market Access
One of the major ways technology empowers communities is by giving local businesses access to global markets. E-commerce platforms like Shopify or Etsy enable small businesses in rural areas to sell their products across borders, reaching customers they would never have been able to find otherwise. This kind of market access can change the game for small business owners, providing not just income but a sustainable path out of poverty.
Tech Skills and Remote Work
Another way tech is changing the entrepreneurial landscape is through remote work. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow people from all corners of the world to offer their skills to a global marketplace. For many, this has become a vital source of income. And it’s not just about freelancing—many African tech startups are hiring remote developers, designers, and marketers, providing jobs and skills training to people who previously didn’t have access to such opportunities.
6. Infrastructure and Connectivity: The Foundation of Upliftment
It would be impossible to talk about the power of technology without addressing the importance of infrastructure and connectivity. As much as we celebrate the transformative power of tech, none of it can happen without reliable access to the internet and digital infrastructure.
Expanding Broadband Access
In many parts of the world, including Africa, access to the internet remains limited, particularly in rural areas. But initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access are making a huge difference. Projects like Google’s Loon and Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi are working to bring affordable internet access to remote communities. These initiatives are more than just about getting people online—they’re about giving people the tools to change their lives.
Without connectivity, everything from education to entrepreneurship is stunted. With it, the possibilities are limitless. That’s why expanding digital infrastructure is key to uplifting communities. It creates a foundation on which everything else—healthcare, education, financial inclusion—can be built.
7. Technology and Social Impact: More Than Just Profit
Finally, I want to touch on the broader social impact of technology. While it’s easy to think about tech in terms of efficiency, profits, or innovation, we can’t forget its potential for social impact. From providing clean water through smart infrastructure to reducing waste with AI-driven systems, technology has the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Tech for Good
There are countless examples of how technology is being used for social good. In Ghana, the startup Farmerline is using mobile technology to provide smallholder farmers with access to market information, weather forecasts, and financial services. In South Africa, companies like GreenFingers Mobile are helping farmers digitise their businesses, allowing them to scale and improve productivity. These are just a few examples of how tech is being used not for profit alone, but for uplifting communities.
Conclusion: The Future of Technology and Community Upliftment
Technology is not a panacea for all the world’s problems, but it is one of the most powerful tools we have for uplifting communities. Whether it’s through education, healthcare, financial inclusion, or entrepreneurship, tech has the potential to bridge the gap between the privileged and the underserved.