A Glance at 2023
Strengthening the Web, Narrowing the Gaps
1. Open Data and Good Governance in Cambodia
SPIDER’s long-term commitment to transparency and accountability is demonstrated through its work in Cambodia, which supports Open Development Cambodia (ODC).
Countries have data privacy laws
%
Asian countries have adopted such laws
%
African countries have adopted such laws
%
Least developed countries have adopted such laws
2. Indigenous Women in Water Governance in the Mekong Region
In the Mekong region, SPIDER is launching the Women in Water Governance platform to support indigenous women leaders managing vital water resources.
3. Tablets Lighting the Path to Success in Rural Zambia
In 2023, with SPIDER support, the DigiLearn project expanded its reach, delivering digital access to schools where educational resources and up-to-date curricula are often scarce.
4. Learning in Every Tongue
In 2023, Indigenous Language Digital Learning in Cambodia expanded to include digital resources for five indigenous languages, significantly broadening its reach.
5. Computer Programming Curriculum for Rural Youth in Cambodia
The computer programming curriculum for rural Cambodia will essentially focus on teacher empowerment and students learning how to use or create ICTs.
6. Fighting Cervical Cancer with Digital Innovation in Africa
SPIDER started working on Cervical Cancer in 2016 because non-communicable diseases such as cancer are increasing. The first step was a thorough needs assessment for telehealth in Rwanda, Zambia, and Kenya, and then the projects were implemented in Uganda and Rwanda.
7. HoliCare Project
HoliCare is tackling respiratory infections with innovative diagnostic solutions designed to improve early detection.
8. Expanding Digital Healthcare in Somalia
The Health Alliance for Digital Development and Action (HADDA) project is playing a key role in improving digital healthcare access in Somalia. By focusing on maternal and child health, this initiative enhances data management and healthcare delivery, leading to more effective health services.
9. Bridging the Digital Divide with iPRIS
Through the ICT Policy & Regulation – Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) project, SPIDER is collaborating with partners such as the Swedish Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR) to address digital regulatory gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Bilateral Collaborations with Universities
In 2023, SPIDER strengthened its partnerships with universities to enhance digital infrastructure and research capacities in low-resource settings. Collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) focused on enhancing data-driven health research and expanding access to digital health solutions, addressing healthcare gaps between urban and rural
areas.
11. STEMming the Gap
Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa (GeJuSTA) is a collaborative initiative led by the University of Cape Town and funded by the IDRC. The project focuses on amplifying the representation of African women in STEM fields across Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia.
12. Innovation for Equality
EQUALS-EU is focused on promoting gender inclusion in innovation systems. In 2023, the project marked meaningful progress, with SPIDER producing influential reports on gender equity within innovation and collaborating with global entities like the ITU.