MBI working together with NPOs in Africa
High-speed connectivity solutions for Africa
MBI is actively involved in the development of two NPO projects in Africa.
Companhia do Agro-Turismo UTOPIA
The project Companhia do Agro-Turismo UTOPIA was created from the vision of the three founders, who set up the organisation in Maputo, Mozambique, in March 2008. Its social goals include activities to improve agricultural production, agricultural commerce, tourism and tourism services. The project also involves the construction of residential buildings and facilities to support the project activities.
The establishment will be active in the agriculture and tourism sectors and will be located in the Province of Cabo Delgado, about 30 km from the capital city and near the state road Montepuez – Pemba. The terrain has an extension of 50 hectares, 20 of which will be used to grow cereals in rotation, corn and sorghum, 10 to grow fruit and vegetables and 10 to grow cashew. The produce will be sold in the province using diversified market channels. When the conditions are right, the tourism sector will be developed by building 4/5 bungalows for tourists and tourist services. The buildings and facilities will be built using almost exclusively material from the local market.
For further information, please write to info@companhiadoagroturismoutopia.org
The aim of the project
The aim of the project is to help the population to increase work opportunities and develop self-awareness, so that they can have a future in the reconstruction of the local economy and do not need to leave the countryside for the city.
MBI's role
MBI will provide the buildings and facilities with Internet connectivity, thus effectively reducing the “digital divide”, which prevents developing countries from gaining access to information. In fact, access to information is essential to lay the foundations for economic development.
NOI PER L'AFRICA
The non-profit organization NOI PER L’AFRICA – ONLUS is creating a hospital named after Pope John Paul II and a house for volunteers in Bossemptelé, Central African Republic. The hospital will need to communicate frequently with the University of Pisa for medical consultation and other activities.
For further information, please write to info@noiperlafrica.org
The aim of the project
Bridging the “digital divide” in developing countries represents not only a technological achievement but also a real contribution to development. In fact, the creation of “digital bridges” like this shows that using technology we can provide support, knowledge and assistance to volunteers on-site, and at the same time allow those in Italy to contribute their time and knowledge thus effectively closing the gap created by the physical distance.
MBI's role
MBI has designed the satellite communication system to connect the hospital to the data gathering centre at the University of Pisa. The connectivity service enables secure data exchange between the two sites as well as access to Internet services. The hospital staff is also able to make and receive telephone calls over the system (VoIP).