Uganda's mini-computers breaking down barriers

DW (English)

They're small, light and may match the average desktop. Ugandan software engineer Ivan Karugaba explains to DW how he created his mini-computer prototype to make technology more accessible.

Transcript

00:00 Access to technology in today's day and age, that is something that still remains a privilege for those who can afford it.

00:08 Local software engineer Ivan Karugaba believes everyone should be able to access computers, so he put his money where his mouth is.

00:18 In 2017, he designed an affordable mini-computer, which he calls the Fused Stick.

00:24 When you look at Africa as a continent, we are very much left behind by other nations and worlds in terms of technology.

00:34 So what I see eventually is to change the perspective that people have about Africa, that we cannot innovate, we cannot make things of our own.

00:49 So through making things of our own, people will actually get more access to these things.

00:57 The mini-computer looks and functions similar to a memory stick, except it's loaded with normal computer programs.

01:05 Simply plug it into any smart screen, and hey presto, you've got yourself a fully functioning computer.

01:12 But its biggest drawcard could be its cost. The Fused Stick currently costs around $70,

01:19 making it about five times more affordable than conventional computers in Uganda.

01:25 Dental student Samantha Simwe got her hands on a test unit and has been using it ever since.

01:32 I purchased one, a test unit, and it's been great ever since because I can do all my work on the TV.

01:43 Literally, I print my reports, I write them down, I store my information.

01:49 It also has my music as well. I can plug in my headset and listen to music once in a while.

01:55 Karugaba's mini-computer uses relatively little energy. He hopes this will bring down the cost even further.

02:04 Our device uses around four watts to power. Four watts is quite low. It's actually well less than most energy-saving bulbs.

02:16 So when you look at the burden now that we give to the end user who already has difficulties in paying for the energy here locally,

02:27 it is quite more efficient than the usual because a normal laptop uses around 65 watts.

02:36 Then a desktop setup will use about 125 watts.

02:42 Overflowing dam sites like this is where most of the waste in Kampala lands.

02:48 This includes e-waste like old, discarded computers.

02:52 By compressing desktop technology into pocket-sized devices, Karugaba wants to minimize his footprint on the environment.

03:02 So with a smaller device means less material and with less material, eventually after the product's life cycle,

03:11 when it comes to disposing of the product, you'll have less waste.

03:16 In the last two years, Karugaba has produced over 150 mini-computers.

03:23 Having just received the funding to produce more devices, Karugaba hopes to scale his production and break into the market.

03:32 I think I'm having a seizure. I'm going to throw up.

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