Bridging the Digital Divide: Solar-Powered Satellite-Based Internet
Nigeria: Nachi and Akpato, Enugu State (IEEE Region 8)
Year Funded by Tech4Good
Funding Provided by Tech4Good*
Individuals Impacted
Number of Volunteers
* funding in USD
Sustainable Development Goals
Team Members
The project was implemented by members of the IEEE Nigeria Section, IEEE Nigeria SIGHT, and the IEEE Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) ComSoc Student Chapter.
Project Sponsor
This project was funded through the Communication for All program, powered by the IEEE Communications Society and IEEE Tech4Good.
There are still places in the world where having access to internet connectivity is not part of daily life. And the digital divide is a reality. Communication for All volunteers bring together technical expertise, local context, and a focus on long-term sustainability to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: meaningful connectivity.
Project Description
Rural communities in Enugu State, Nigeria, face persistent educational and economic challenges due to limited and unreliable internet access. This lack of connectivity discourages experienced teachers from accepting rural postings and restricts students’ access to modern learning resources.
To address these challenges, the IEEE project team deployed solar-powered, satellite-based internet connectivity with cloud-enabled services at Community Primary School, Akpato, and Holy Child Convent, Nachi, while extending access to their surrounding communities.
Initial Impact
The use of renewable energy ensured reliable operation in off-grid environments, enabling consistent and sustainable digital access. Following installation, 134 students, 11 teachers, and five community representatives received hands-on training in basic internet use, empowering participants to explore digital educational resources, conduct research, and connect with broader academic and professional opportunities.
With reliable connectivity, teachers can engage in online professional development, access high-quality instructional materials, and enhance classroom delivery. Students benefit from digital learning platforms, educational videos, and virtual classrooms, helping to reduce the gap between rural and urban learning outcomes.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs can leverage internet access to reach wider markets, improve operational practices, and participate in online training programs, contributing to economic growth within the community.
Lessons learned from this project were the importance of community involvement for sustainability, the need for hands-on digital literacy training alongside infrastructure deployment, and the impact of reliable internet access in empowering rural students and teachers for educational and economic opportunities. This initiative is a testament to the power of technology for good—when innovation meets inclusion, communities thrive.
