Beyond the digital divide: Zee Tech Foundation’s mission for change

In 2022, we had the privilege of connecting with Zubairu, the visionary founder of Zee Tech Foundation. With a passionate drive to bridge the digital divide, Zubairu shared his mission to bring meaningful internet connectivity to young students in Nigeria. What began as an ambitious idea has since grown into a transformative movement, impacting lives across Bauchi State and beyond.

Introducing Zee Tech Foundation

Zee Tech Foundation is a grassroots organization based in Bauchi State, Nigeria, dedicated to fostering digital inclusion. Since its inception in 2020, Zubairu and his team have worked tirelessly to connect young students to the opportunities offered by the digital world.

In rural areas of Nigeria, internet access remains scarce—often entirely inaccessible or prohibitively expensive. For many, this lack of connectivity isn’t just a technological gap; it’s a barrier to education, opportunity, and progress. Nowhere is this more evident than in the impact of the digital divide on education, where a lack of access deprives young minds of the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Zee Tech Foundation is tackling these challenges head-on, and we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with them on several impactful projects over the years.

Safety Online Crusader

The first collaboration between our organization and Zee Tech Foundation was the Safety Online Crusader project, launched to empower 1,500 secondary school students with critical knowledge about online safety and responsible internet usage.

For students new to the digital world, understanding how to navigate it safely is essential. Without this knowledge, young people can become vulnerable to risks such as online exploitation, data breaches, and other dangers. Zee Tech Foundation recognized these risks and took proactive steps to address them.

Through workshops, handouts, online resources, and teacher conferences, the initiative provided comprehensive education on safe internet practices. By training both students and their teachers, the program created a supportive ecosystem that continues to protect and empower children online.

After the initial project was finished, Zee Tech Foundation continued using the materials developed throughout this project and went to several schools in the area to provide even more students with knowledge and awareness about online safety and responsible internet usage. This project was thus the catalyst for many young students learning about protecting personal information, avoiding cyberbullying, recognizing online scams, and understanding the potential risks associated with social media and internet use.

ICT lab for young students

Building on the success of the Safety Online Crusader, Zee Tech Foundation established an ICT lab, a dedicated space where young students in Bauchi State could gain hands-on experience with technology and the internet.

The lab offers training on a range of topics, from online safety to cutting-edge skills like coding, drone operation, and 3D printing. It serves as a hub for digital learning, welcoming both children and adults eager to expand their technological horizons.

For many of these students, the ICT lab was their first meaningful interaction with digital tools. Here, they developed essential digital literacy skills, learning to navigate the internet, use computers proficiently, and explore a variety of digital platforms. This newfound confidence in using technology opens doors to a wealth of online educational resources. Students can now access e-books, academic journals, and interactive learning platforms, greatly expanding their horizons beyond the confines of traditional classrooms.

Agriconnect Bauchi

In the summer of 2024, Zee Tech Foundation took their mission a step further with the Agriconnect Bauchi project. This initiative expanded the ICT lab’s reach to include farmers, connecting them to vital online resources that could transform their agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Another farmer shared on LinkedIn how access to real-time crop data and market prices significantly improved their yield and business outcomes. This project not only brought the benefits of connectivity to a new demographic but also highlighted how digital tools can drive economic growth in rural communities.

As part of this program, 50 farmers were equipped with smartphones and trained to use internet-based tools to improve their agricultural techniques. The impact was immediate and transformative.

One farmer shared how the intervention had completely changed the narrative of their farming experience. With the help of applications like Platify, they could detect growing weeds on their farmland and purchase the recommended chemicals to address them.

For the first time, 80% of their farm achieved “zero weeding,” a milestone they previously thought impossible. The farmer explained how this newfound access to technology saved them time, reduced costs, and dramatically improved crop management.

Another farmer shared on LinkedIn how access to real-time crop data and market prices significantly improved their yield and business outcomes.

These stories are just some examples of the broader impact of Agriconnect Bauchi. By connecting farmers to digital tools and knowledge, the project not only improved agricultural productivity but also fostered a sense of empowerment. These tools allowed farmers to make data-driven decisions, access real-time information, and expand their market reach, ultimately boosting their livelihoods and contributing to economic growth in the region. The project showcased how connectivity and digital tools can drive economic growth in rural communities.

A legacy of impact

The Zee Tech Foundation’s ICT lab remains a cornerstone of their mission, continuously providing education and access to underserved communities. Projects like Agriconnect have empowered local farmers to increase their productivity and expand their businesses, showcasing the tangible economic benefits of digital inclusion.

As we look back on our collaboration with Zee Tech Foundation, we’re inspired by the transformative power of their work. By bridging the digital divide, they are creating a future where no one is left behind in the digital age.