Intel Introduces Second Version of Its Africa-Targeted AI and Broadband Strategy
The Intel Community Reach Program (ICRP), a digital inclusion initiative, has recently announced the launch of its second edition, aimed at empowering African communities through technology. This program focuses on enhancing digital access, skills, and opportunities across the continent, with a particular emphasis on underserved populations to bridge the digital divide.
Eligibility for the ICRP second edition includes organizations, startups, or community projects based in Africa that promote digital inclusion, technology adoption, and capacity building. Projects must align with Intel's mission of empowering communities through technology.
Focus areas of the program include digital literacy and skills development, access to affordable and reliable internet, promoting digital tools in education, healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, and supporting innovation with local and sustainable impact in African communities.
Benefits offered by ICRP second edition include funding or grants to support project implementation, capacity building through training, workshops, and mentorship, access to Intel’s technology resources and expertise, and networking opportunities with other innovators, experts, and partners.
Although specific dates for the second edition of ICRP are not detailed, interested applicants should check Intel or associated platform announcements for exact deadlines, as digital inclusion programs like these often have application windows ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, Intel's partner for the program, highlighted that it's not just about connectivity, but about empowering innovation. Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa at Intel, stated that the program reaffirms Intel's commitment to leveraging AI for positive change in underserved African communities.
Notably, the ICRP places a strong focus on supporting women tech entrepreneurs. Selected applicants will receive technical support, consultancy services, and help to scale solutions. The program aims to boost digital inclusion and support AI and broadband-powered solutions for underserved communities in Africa.
Applications for the ICRP are open until June 13, 2025, and proposals can be submitted here. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals and contribute to Intel's mission of advancing semiconductor design and AI innovation for a more inclusive digital Africa.
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- The second edition of the Intel Community Reach Program (ICRP) is targeted towards organizations, startups, or community projects in Africa that function in the realm of technology, especially those focused on digital inclusion and capacity building, with a special emphasis on promoting digital literacy and skills development, access to affordable and reliable internet, education, healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
- Eligible entities may benefit from funding or grants, capacity building through training, workshops, and mentorship, access to Intel’s technology resources and expertise, and networking opportunities with other innovators, experts, and partners, all in an effort to empower innovation and support AI for positive change in underserved African communities.
- A crucial focus of the program lies in building an ecosystem that supports women tech entrepreneurs by offering technical support, consultancy services, and assistance in scaling solutions, as part of an initiative to boost digital inclusion and encourage the development of broadband-powered solutions for underserved communities in Africa.
- Applications for the ICRP are currently open and can be submitted until June 13, 2025, through the provided link. Prospective applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with Intel's mission of advancing semiconductor design and AI innovation for a more inclusive digital Africa.
- The ICRP falls within broader continental efforts to support digital skills and AI research in Africa, joined by initiatives such as those led by Google, with the ultimate goal of bridging the digital divide through technological advancements and enhanced lifestyle opportunities.
