Insights From the Edge
Collaboration for Connectivity: A Digital Access, Inclusion and Participation
In “Collaboration for Connectivity: A Digital Access, Inclusion and Participation” (author: Troy Etulain), the focus is on how inclusive, co-designed broadband partnerships unlock access to education, health, livelihoods and civic voice for displaced and host communities. It calls for community-led models, measurable outcomes (e.g., hours learning, income change, participation), and risk mitigation (privacy, safety) to ensure connectivity drives social impact—not just infrastructure.
Terms Of Reference Podcast: Building Digital Inclusion, One Practical Experiment at a Time
In his Aidpreneur interview, Troy Etulain, Director of USAID’s mSTAR project at FHI 360, explores how digital development succeeds when it starts with real-world problems, not technology hype. From long-range Wi-Fi pilots and mobile money innovations to mapping connectivity gaps across underserved regions, he highlights practical ways to bridge the digital divide. Etulain’s message is simple yet powerful: treat technology as a catalyst for social impact—building sustainable, inclusive systems that connect people, empower communities, and expand opportunity.