Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

MOBICT bridges the digital divide in underserved communities with mobile training centers, offering advanced ICT tools and solar power. We deliver digital literacy and tech skills to schools, IDP camps, and rural areas.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

MOBICT (Mobile Computer Training ) is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. We achieve this by deploying mobile training centers equipped with advanced digital learning tools and powered by sustainable solar energy. These centers travel to public schools, IDP camps, rural areas, and other marginalized communities, providing essential digital literacy and technology skills. Our programs cover a wide range of topics from basic computer skills to advanced tech training, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. By empowering individuals with digital skills, MOBICT fosters socioeconomic development, enhances educational outcomes, and creates opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

MOBICT aims to solve the pervasive issue of digital illiteracy and the lack of access to technology education in underserved communities. Many marginalized areas, including public schools, IDP camps, and rural settlements, suffer from inadequate ICT infrastructure and resources, leaving residents without essential digital skills. This digital divide limits educational opportunities, hinders socioeconomic development, and restricts access to information and job prospects. By providing mobile training centers equipped with advanced ICT tools and powered by sustainable solar energy, MOBICT ensures that everyone, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers, can access quality digital education, thereby fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and long-term development.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity: MOBICT's mobile training centers bring digital literacy and technology skills directly to underserved communities, including public schools, IDP camps, and rural areas. This ensures that individuals in marginalized areas can access quality education regardless of their geographical or socioeconomic status. 2. Sustainability and Innovation: Our mobile units are equipped with advanced ICT tools and powered by sustainable solar energy, providing a reliable and eco-friendly solution. This innovative approach not only reduces operational costs but also ensures uninterrupted training sessions in areas with limited or unreliable electricity. 3. Security and Mobility: MOBICT training vans are designed to be safe from theft and vandalism, as they can be relocated to secure locations when not in use. This mobility ensures that our valuable equipment is protected, and training can be conducted safely and efficiently whenever needed.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

MOBICT's services are primarily aimed at underserved and marginalized communities, including youth and adults in rural areas, public schools, IDP camps, and other regions with limited access to digital education and technology. Our targeted beneficiaries include: 1. Students: In public and private schools, especially in primary 4, JSS2, and SS2, who need foundational and intermediate digital literacy skills. 2. Displaced Persons: Residents of IDP camps who require skills to rebuild their lives and improve employability. 3. Rural Populations: Individuals in remote and underserved areas who lack access to digital tools and training. 4. Youth and Adults: Who seek to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills through ICT training. 5. Educators: Who need to integrate digital literacy into their teaching methods. Our mission is to empower these groups with the necessary digital skills to improve their socioeconomic prospects and bridge the digital divide.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-05-13

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

I Anthony Osabuohien, the founder of MOBICT, is a seasoned social entrepreneur, innovator, and business strategist. With over ten years of experience running Mekharich ICTC, with a proven track record of offering business and computer training services. My extensive experience in the tech sector includes over five years of building and working with reputable and innovative startups, showcasing my expertise in creating impactful tech-driven solutions. Adesuwa Johnson, the co-founder, is a skilled business administrator with over five years of entrepreneurial experience. She has successfully built and managed businesses, demonstrating her capability in strategic planning, business development, and operational efficiency. Together, our complementary skills and experience drive MOBICT's mission to bridge the digital divide and empower underserved communities through mobile digital training centers.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-osabuohien

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

MOBICT contributes to the SDG goal of ending poverty by delivering essential digital literacy and tech skills to underserved communities. Our mobile training centers reach marginalized areas, equipping individuals with the skills needed for modern, higher-paying jobs. By fostering digital inclusion, we enable economic empowerment and create pathways out of poverty. Additionally, our programs promote entrepreneurship, allowing participants to start their own businesses. This sustainable model not only enhances individual economic prospects but also stimulates local economies, creating a ripple effect that helps lift entire communities out of poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

MOBICT significantly contributes to the SDG goal of quality education by bringing advanced digital literacy and technology skills to underserved communities through mobile training centers. Our state-of-the-art units, powered by sustainable solar energy, ensure accessibility to quality education regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers. By partnering with schools and community centers, we provide tailored curricula that enhance students' learning experiences and prepare them for future digital economies. This inclusive approach not only improves educational outcomes but also equips learners with essential skills for lifelong learning, fostering equitable opportunities for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

MOBICT contributes to the SDG goal of gender equality by actively bridging the digital gender gap and empowering women with essential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) skills. Our mobile training centers prioritize reaching female students and women in underserved communities, providing them with equal access to high-quality digital literacy and technology education. By fostering a supportive learning environment and offering mentorship programs, MOBICT encourages more women to pursue careers in STEAM fields, thereby promoting gender parity in these traditionally male-dominated sectors. This empowerment helps women achieve economic independence and leadership roles, advancing overall gender equality.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

MOBICT contributes to the SDG goal of decent work and economic growth by equipping individuals in underserved communities with essential digital skills, enhancing their employability and productivity. Our mobile training centers provide high-quality ICT education, enabling learners to access better job opportunities and start their own businesses. By fostering digital literacy and advanced tech skills, MOBICT helps bridge the skills gap, meeting the demands of the modern workforce. This, in turn, drives economic growth and development, as more people gain the ability to participate effectively in the digital economy, leading to increased innovation, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

MOBICT contributes to the SDG goal of industry, innovation, and infrastructure by bringing cutting-edge digital training to underserved areas through mobile ICT centers. By providing state-of-the-art technology and advanced digital skills education, MOBICT helps build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation. Our training programs empower individuals to participate in the digital economy, fostering entrepreneurial ventures and tech startups. This enhances local industries, promotes technological advancement, and strengthens infrastructure development. By bridging the digital divide, MOBICT facilitates inclusive growth and supports the creation of resilient, sustainable industrial sectors.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

MOBICT contributes to the SDG goal of reduced inequality by providing equal access to digital literacy and advanced technology training in underserved communities. By deploying mobile training centers to marginalized areas, we ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, have the opportunity to acquire essential digital skills. This empowerment fosters social inclusion and economic mobility, enabling beneficiaries to compete in the job market and pursue higher education. By bridging the digital divide, MOBICT helps to level the playing field, reducing disparities in education, employment opportunities, and economic participation across diverse populations.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

4

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

MOBICT stands out for its innovative approach to bridging the digital divide through mobile digital training centers. Our solar-powered vans, equipped with the latest digital training technologies, ensure sustainable and uninterrupted learning experiences in even the most remote areas. This mobility allows us to reach underserved communities, offering high-quality digital literacy and tech skills training directly at their doorsteps. Unlike traditional training centers, our flexible and adaptive model eliminates barriers to access, making education inclusive and equitable. This unique combination of mobility, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology positions MOBICT as a pioneering solution in the field of digital education.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

MOBICT operates in the competitive EdTech sector, facing companies that deliver training via online platforms and digital devices. However, MOBICT stands out due to its unparalleled accessibility. Unlike competitors, who rely on internet access and personal digital gadgets—affordable only to those online and economically advantaged—MOBICT reaches everyone, irrespective of location or socioeconomic class. Our solar-powered mobile training centers bring digital literacy directly to underserved communities, including public schools, IDP camps, and rural areas. This ensures that high-quality digital education is accessible to all, overcoming the barriers of connectivity and affordability that our competitors face.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Mekharich ICTC currently operates with majorly women in lead roles, and when we launch our mobile training vans ( MOBICT) women will be encouraged to lead our community sensitisation initiatives to encourage more women and young girls to utilise the tech skills learning opportunity MOBICT brings.