Capacity building serves as a crucial avenue for communities to develop autonomous and sustainable solutions to bridge the digital divide. By creating technological tools tailored to their specific needs and situations, these communities can foster an environment that is accessible, relevant, and resilient.
In February 2026, Africa hosted its inaugural blended training program for ICT network managers from indigenous and rural communities. This initiative, led by Rhizomatica and supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), draws inspiration from successful models developed in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) since 2019.
Advancing Digital Inclusion in Africa
The blended training initiative was crafted to enhance ICT capacities precisely where connectivity is most urgently needed. An advisory committee has been assembled to facilitate the sharing of this valuable experience across the African continent. The program emphasizes community-driven ICT development, focusing on aspects such as sustainability, community-centric connectivity, and local ownership. Ultimately, it aims to position indigenous and rural communities at the forefront of digital transformation, empowering them to wield technology that addresses their distinctive needs.
Launched in 2025, the program featured a comprehensive 19-week online learning module, culminating in an in-person boot camp in Nairobi, Kenya, set for early 2026. This boot camp, designed for participants who successfully completed the online portion, provided an immersive learning environment filled with hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Participants co-developed connectivity initiatives rooted in community priorities. The final phase offered a unique opportunity for interaction among participants, facilitators, and partners, fostering networking across 18 countries in the region. It also brought together seasoned practitioners and experts from other areas to enhance the learning experience through shared knowledge and diverse perspectives.
Training boot camps, which have been successfully held in the LAC region and are now being introduced in Africa, are becoming a vital tradition in fostering community-centered connectivity. These assemblies serve as a nexus for diverse stakeholders united by a common mission. Beyond the immediate training benefits, the program aims to fortify a burgeoning regional network of community technology advocates, aiding in ongoing collaboration and the promotion of community-driven connectivity initiatives throughout Africa.
We invite you to explore a visual journey highlighting the significant moments from the 2026 boot camp.
The blended training for ICT network managers in indigenous and rural communities was developed with unwavering dedication and support from Rhizomatica, along with the Local Access Program, which is spearheaded by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), the Internet Society of Communities (ISOC), the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), and 48percent.org. Local hosting was provided by the African Advanced Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) and the Thanda Community Network.
