Computer Aid International: Bridging the Digital Divide

Preparing and strengthening the developing world for the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a challenge that Computer Aid is tackling head on. Founder Tony Robert’s vision is “Empowering the developing world by providing access, education, implementing technology and supporting environmentally responsible solutions.” The case discusses the extent of digital divide gaps and challenges in the developing world. It traces Computer Aid’s evolution from operations in a single African country to regionalization in Southern Africa with operations in many countries, and South-South expansion to Latin America and other developing country locations. Regionalization efforts focus on localization of operations within a region for creation of a mutually beneficial context for local businesses to become part of the digital divide solution through processing obsolete donated technology that Computer Aid then recycles and matches with beneficiary needs. The company has built a regionalization hub in South Africa. While they have had some success, questions remain—Is this the best approach for leveraging their service delivery, technology refurbishment and education? Will regionalization be effective in Latin America?