Offline Digital Solutions for the Sahel

Offline Digital Solutions for the Sahel 

​In the Sahel region of Senegal, mobile phones are common, but high-speed internet is often expensive or unreliable. Instead of waiting for widespread infrastructure, organizations are using offline-first technologies to bring vital resources directly to rural communities. By storing information on local hardware, communities can access vast amounts of knowledge without needing a connection to the global internet.

​Here are the primary tools currently being used to bridge this gap:

​Internet-in-a-Box (IIAB): This system uses a small, low-power device—such as a Raspberry Pi—that acts as a local server, broadcasting its own Wi-Fi signal. When users connect, they gain instant, free access to curated libraries, Wikipedia, and educational videos. This is particularly effective for schools or community centers where many people can access the content simultaneously.

​Nano-Servers (such as the Ideas Cube): These are portable, rugged devices that come pre-loaded with large amounts of information and local educational content. Because they are self-contained, they act as portable digital libraries that can be moved easily between locations to provide resources to remote groups.

​Micro-SD Cards (such as the Kajou): For individual users, high-capacity micro-SD cards are a highly effective solution. These cards are loaded with a massive library of information and can be inserted directly into standard smartphones. This turns a person's existing phone into a "pocket library" that works anywhere, without the need for a data connection.

​These offline solutions are vital because they eliminate the cost of expensive data bundles, ensure information is available even during power or network outages, and provide high-speed performance that mobile cellular networks in the Sahel cannot currently match. Most importantly, they allow communities to curate their own content, ensuring that the materials are relevant to their local language and specific needs.

​Connecting with the UN Digital Cooperation Portal

​When advocating for these projects on global platforms, these tools are best described as "Digital Public Goods." Using this term helps show that the work is focused on building resilient, sustainable infrastructure that empowers rural communities to manage and share their own knowledge.

​The UN Digital Cooperation Portal is the central hub for tracking initiatives that contribute to the Global Digital Compact. It is managed by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), which aggregates projects related to digital inclusion, infrastructure, and human rights online.  

​How to Share Your Initiative:

​Submit via the Portal: You can visit the UN Digital Cooperation Portal to explore the registry and contribute information about your community-led initiatives.

​Direct Outreach: As ODET is the system-wide focal point for these issues, you can contact them directly to inquire about submission protocols or to seek guidance on aligning your project with international frameworks.  

​Contact Information for the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET):

​Email: odet@un.org  

​Website: un.org/digital-emerging-technologies

​Social Media: Follow their work on LinkedIn, X (@ODET_UN), and Bluesky (@unodet.bsky.social).  

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