Africa Information Technology Initiative
world map

Why Mobile Technology?

Africa is currently the world's fastest growing mobile phone market. Over the past five years the number of mobile phone subscribers on the continent has increased at an annual rate of 65% - twice the global average. A mobile phone is not only a communication device, it also represents the most accessible computing device to the majority of Africans. Mobile phones are tools that can promote development by inspiring new business opportunities and increasing efficiencies. Local entrepreneurs' innovative use of mobile technology is at the heart of this revolution.

Summer 2009

AITI is holding programs this summer at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya and at the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology in Kigali, Rwanda. Click here to learn about our Strathmore program

How You Can Help

AITI supporters believe that appropriate technology can catalyze development in Africa. Our supporters also value the international experience opportunities AITI provides for our MIT student/instructors. Here are some ways you can help:

Mailing List

These are exciting times for AITI as we look to adapt and expand. If you would like to receive announcements and updates about AITI, join our mailing list. Your email will remain confidential.

What is AITI?

AITI is a student-run organization of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that promotes development in Africa through education in appropriate information and communication technologies (ICTs). During MIT's summer recess, AITI sends MIT students to Africa to teach African undergraduate and high school students. AITI partners with local African institutions to offer classes focused on mobile phone application development with an emphasis on independent research, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.

Since its inception in 2000, AITI has been highly effective:

  • Nearly 100 MIT student/teachers have instructed over 1200 African students.
  • Over the years, AITI has run programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia.
  • The MIT AITI diploma has grown to become recognized by local employers as a mark of excellence.

AITI strives to leave its African students with the attitude that they can positively affect their community through hard work and unfaltering determination. Furthermore, AITI's MIT student/instructors gain invaluable international experience in a dynamic and challenging environment. An experience which is often life-changing.

Testimonials

AITI definitely opened my eyes to new ways of coding and ways of researching for yourself. The general feel of the program was focused on do you understand what you're doing?...so many different areas you focus on, from web to enterprise to cell phone programming, use the skills your learn in this course.

-Mark Kaigwa (Student, AITI Kenya 2007)

Teaching in Ethiopia was a revelation for me. Our team met weekly for a semester, planning and rehearsing. When we arrived, we were constantly impressed by the energy and passionate commitment our students had for our class. AITI showed me how large an impact an MIT student group can have on the world.

- Jeremy Franklin (MIT Instructor, AITI Ethiopia 2006)

AITI in Photos