Initiative for Global Development teams with Accenture to develop electricity, connectivity in Uganda

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The University of Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development (IGD) and Accenture — a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company — are taking the lead to empower disconnected communities in northern Uganda by harnessing solar energy to generate electricity for Internet and communications technologies, education and training centers, and new locally developed ventures.

This pilot solar energy project will provide communities in Uganda with clean and efficient renewable power and Wi-Fi connectivity. Entrepreneurial training also will be offered at several sites in Uganda to help create businesses and jobs that can take advantage of this new source of electricity. IGD evaluation experts and Accenture will conduct research to measure the impact that these efforts have on the Ugandan communities.

Accenture and the Accenture Foundations have awarded Notre Dame a $550,000 grant for this two-year project. In addition, the company’s employees have committed to giving a substantial amount of pro bono and volunteer time to assist with the efforts. This effort builds on Accenture’s Skills to Succeed initiative, which will equip 250,000 people globally by 2015 with the skills to build a business or find a job. Through this initiative, Accenture looks for innovative solutions to present to the developing world. It also builds upon Accenture’s Environmental Stewardship initiative, which helps organizations achieve high performance by utilizing sustainable approaches.

Phase I of the project will serve as a testing ground for possible additional phases of the project that could include between 10 and 100 additional sites throughout Uganda.

Tom Yemc, Accenture senior executive, said, “The University of Notre Dame and Accenture are combining the experience of private enterprise and world class research to make a difference in an area of the world that has been torn apart by war.”

Source: Notre Dame News (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Environment, Technology
Tags
rural development, telecommunications