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Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Intel has officially launched the second edition of the Intel Community Reach Program (ICRP). The high-impact initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion and harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is in addition to accelerating broadband connectivity for underserved communities across Africa.
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The 2025 edition of ICRP aims to address Africa’s digital divide, particularly between urban and rural populations. This is where internet penetration remains at 38%, significantly lower than the global average of 68%. The initiative will support innovative, community-based projects across member states of the African Union focused on leveraging AI—especially at the edge with AI PCs. It will also support broadband to create solutions in key sectors such as STEM education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental services, fintech, and digital literacy.
Intel invites startups, SMEs, organizations, and institutions using AI or connectivity to tackle real-world challenges to apply for the program. Priority will be given to initiatives led by women tech entrepreneurs. This reinforces Intel’s commitment to inclusive technology advancement and gender equity in digital transformation.
What Selected Projects Will Receive
Participants selected for the ICRP 2025 cohort will gain:
- Technical mentorship and consultancy services
- Capacity-building and training opportunities
- Support to scale solutions with measurable social and economic impact
“At Intel, we believe in the transformative power of AI to improve lives and reshape industries. This program reaffirms our commitment to unlocking AI’s potential in underserved African communities,” said Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and Principal Engineer at Intel Corporation.
“We are proud to collaborate with AfriLabs to expand STEM education and foster innovation for societal progress,” he added.
Bridging the Digital Gap Through Innovation
Partnering with AfriLabs, the program focuses not only on connectivity but on building a foundation for sustained digital innovation across Africa.
“Africa’s digital transformation goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about enabling people to innovate and generate economic value,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs.
“Through the Intel Community Reach Program, we are equipping local innovators and entrepreneurs with the tools to drive change through AI and connectivity.”
ICRP 2025 continues Intel’s mission of using technology for social impact and economic empowerment. The initiative is ensuring African communities are not left behind in the global AI revolution.
