World Bank

Mobile applications in general and mobile applications for agricultural and rural development (m-ARD apps) in particular hold significant potential for advancing development. Though there have been many studies on the mobile revolution, there is a lack of systematic trend analyses, in-depth case studies, and assessments of experiences with m-ARD apps in developing countries. Thus this report examines their development impact, ecosystems, and business models to provide an analytical framework for policymakers and development practitioners.

As a major development partner in the field of ICT for development, the WBG has long recognized the critical role of ICT in catalyzing inclusive economic growth as well as in promoting human and social development. The WBG approaches ICT both as a sector in itself (ICT connectivity, infrastructure, and ICT industries) and as an enabler of transformation across sectors.

The objective of this analytical report is to support the strategic direction, focus, and action plan in governance reform by implementing ICT within the urban development framework of the Africa Region.

This Report present the World Bank's ICT Strategy for the period 2012-2015. The Strategy for 2012-2015 will emphasize the transformative potential of information and communication technologies while focusing on innovation and infrastructure. The new ICT strategy will be comprised by three pillars. It will promote ICTs to transform services for greater development impact—strengthening accountability and governance, improving public services, and enabling more inclusive private delivery of services (Transform pillar).

This report explores the challenges to education and training systems that the knowledge economy presents. It outlines policy options for addressing these challenges and developing viable systems of lifelong learning in developing countries and countries with transition economies. It encourages countries to look beyond traditional approaches to education and training and to engage in a policy dialogue on the pedagogical and economic consequence of lifelong learning.

The purpose of this toolkit is to identify opportunities, highlight innovative projects and activities, and suggest how development agencies can help realize the potential for gender equality. The toolkit can help these agencies assist developing countries in improving the efficiency and equity of their ICT policies and programmes by ensuring that they respond to the needs of both women and men.

In developing countries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have great difficulty in obtaining the necessary financial resources to effectively scale up and grow their businesses. This report provides: (i) an assessment of the financing needs voiced by techno-entrepreneurs; (ii) a review of the financing opportunities available; and (iii) a series of suggestions regarding possible measures to alleviate the financing gap.

This publication takes an in-depth look at how ICT, and particularly broadband and mobile, are impacting economic growth in developing countries. The data section includes at-a-glance tables for 150 economies of the latest available data on ICT sector performance. Performance measures for access, affordability and applications in government and business are also introduced.

This report offers policymakers and regulators an analysis of approaches that developed countries have taken in expanding their broadband markets, with a focus on the Republic of Korea, one of the most successful broadband markets. Surveys of six other countries that are leading in broadband market development, highlight policymaking and governance strategies, and provide critical information about the aspects of national policies, plans and frameworks that have successfully promoted broadband technology.

This study was developed to assist development practitioners in assessment and selection of information and communication technology (ICT) applications for monitoring and evaluation in rural projects, specifically in agriculture and forestry, with an emphasis on mobile technology for data collection. Particularly in highly decentralized projects, data collection can be challenging, and the large number of options and specific project needs makes selecting technology a challenge.