[APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] Bridges.org produces comprehensive guide on setting up and operating a successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa

[Rachel Engel]

Good morning,
I hope you find our latest report of interest. If you require any 
further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes
Rachel

Bridges.org produces comprehensive guide on setting up and operating a 
successful computer refurbishment centre in Africa

November 8, 2004

More Africans need to get their hands on computers in order for Africa 
to tap the potential of information and communications technology (ICT) 
to improve lives. But the price of new computers puts them beyond the 
reach of most Africans. And the overall lack of technical skills also 
limits computer use across the continent.

Locally owned computer refurbishment centres may help. When 
refurbishment is done cheaply and efficiently, restored computers can be 
resold at a low price. But in Africa, it may require more than just a 
viable refurbishment operation: everybody wins when a social purpose is 
embedded in the business. The refurbishment process provides technical 
training to members of the community, who can help sustain effective ICT 
use.  And centres increase their likelihood of success by offering 
services that are usually not otherwise available, like consultation and 
technical support.

When used equipment is donated to refurbishment centres it keeps costs 
down.  It also solves problems for big companies that have social 
corporate responsibility obligations, and which increasingly face 
environmental mandates on hardware disposal. Several international 
initiatives are underway to bring second-hand computers to Africa, and 
many intend to refurbish at the local destination.

But there are only a few successful computer refurbishment centres in 
Africa at present, and very little is documented about their experiences 
for others to learn from. "How to Set Up and Operate a Successful 
Computer Refurbishment Centre in Africa:  A Planning and Management 
Guide" is the result of a study undertaken by bridges.org in early 2004, 
which examined the methods and strategies of the computer refurbishment 
industry, focusing on Africa. This guide describes the steps involved in 
opening a computer refurbishment centre in Africa and managing it into 
productivity.

Teresa Peters, bridges.org's executive director believes, “Second-hand 
computers aren't ideal, but they will probably be a reality for Africa 
at least in the short term. As environmental mandates in North America 
and Europe start to kick-in during the next few years, used computers 
will be shipped to Africa in unprecedented numbers.  It is crucial that 
the refurbishment be done locally, so Africans gain skills as part of 
the process.  This guide sets out proven methods that could be 
replicated in refurbishment centres across the continent. ”

For the full report in PDF format please go to: 
http://www.bridges.org/refurb/Refurb_Centre_Guide_bridges.org.pdf

Ends ###

For more information please contact:
Name:      Philipp Schmidt, Technology Programme Manager
Email: 	      research at bridges.org
Tel:           +27 21 465 9313
Fax:          +27 21 465 5917

About bridges.org
Bridges.org is an international non-profit organisation based in South 
Africa with a mission to promote the effective use of ICT in developing 
countries to improve people's lives. One area of focus is informing 
policy decisions that affect people's access to and use of ICT. 
Bridges.org also conducts technology research and provides social 
consulting services to ground level projects using ICT, helping with 
project planning and evaluation and relaying lessons learned. It brings 
an entrepreneurial attitude to its social mission, and is committed to 
working with, instead of against, government agencies and the business 
community. For more information please see www.bridges.org.


-- 
Rachel Engel
International Media and Relations Manager

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Tel: +27 21 465 9313 -- Fax +27 21 465 5917
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