After several years working in the field of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), between Europe and Africa, one conviction gradually became clear: people remain the driving force, but technology is now the lever that allows us to scale impact.

At ComDev Africa, this choice is not about following a trend. It is a direct response to the realities we face on the ground: if we want to amplify the impact we have built over the past 10 years alongside ecosystems, young people, and changemakers, we must fully integrate digital tools into the way we work.

This realization comes directly from experience. In Europe, I observed structured solidarity models capable of sustaining themselves over time. In Africa, I witnessed extraordinary agility, with entrepreneurs turning constraints into practical solutions every single day. Yet despite these very different dynamics, the same limitations often emerge everywhere.

• First, scaling remains a major challenge: how do we move from supporting 1,000 beneficiaries to reaching 1 million without losing quality or weakening human support? 

• Then comes impact measurement: how can we demonstrate social value with the same rigor as financial indicators? 

• Finally, operational efficiency has become critical: how do we free up human time by automating heavy processes so we can focus on what matters most people and support?

This is precisely where technology becomes strategic. Far from replacing social action, it strengthens it. Artificial intelligence, data science, and collaborative platforms are not goals in themselves; they are tools designed to increase impact.

At ComDev Africa, this translates into several concrete directions.

• Artificial intelligence helps anticipate community needs instead of simply reacting to crises.

• Data science allows us to better understand impact dynamics and make more informed decisions.

• Blockchain opens the door to greater transparency in managing funding and donations, especially between Europe and Africa, through solutions such as Dërëm 5.0.

• Collaborative platforms create direct bridges between social innovation actors, beyond borders and geographical barriers, making cooperation smoother and more accessible.

This work becomes even more meaningful when we look at the complementarities between Africa and Europe. Africa is no longer simply catching up technologically. It is already inventing new uses, particularly in mobile innovation and locally adapted solutions. Europe, meanwhile, brings structured ethical and regulatory frameworks. It is at the intersection of these two worlds that a new generation of “Tech for Good” solutions is emerging solutions that are efficient, responsible, and deeply human.

In this vision, the goal is not to build cold or dehumanized systems. Quite the opposite: technology should amplify human impact. Every project, every euro invested, and every initiative launched should be able to reach more people with greater transparency and stronger efficiency.

Dërëm in the finals of the WSIS Prize 2026 (UN–ITU) 

This is also the spirit behind our solution Dërëm, currently finalist for the prestigious WSIS Prizes 2026 of the United Nations (ITU). After surpassing 2,000 votes, the voting phase has been extended until May 16, giving us a collective opportunity to go even further.

Supporting the project only takes a few minutes: connect through the voting link, create an account, vote for Dërëm in the relevant category, and confirm your email address. Every vote matters in this collective momentum.

See you at GITEX Kenya x AI Everything in Nairobi