FAQs

Why was Mobile for Good set up?

The Mobile for Good project was initially designed to help inform and empower underprivileged individuals living in Africa and the developing world. It was set up by OneWorld, an international organisation designed to help tackle poverty in developing countries by using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

To read the mission and aims of Mobile for Good, click here.

When was the pilot project started?

The pilot project was in operation by the end of 2004 and was set up in a settlement known as Kibera, situated on the outskirts of Nairobi, in Kenya.

For more about how Mobile for Good is operating in Kenya, click here.

Where is M4G running?

Mobile for Good is currently operating in Kenya, the first Mobile for Good franchise, with M4G-Nepal on the verge of launching thier service. OneWorld UK is currently seeking social entrepreuners and interested investors to start franchises in Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon and Uganda.

Has the venture been successful in Kenya?

Results from the Kenyan pilot project illustrate that the project has been a great success in this country, with latest unique subscriber figures totalling more than 80,000. M4G-Kenya has annualized revenues of over US$100,000 and has broken even in uncer two years. In addition, feedback received shows that many employers are benefiting as well as job-seekers, with some companies stating that Mobile for Good is the only recruitment service they are using. OneWorld International has also gained recognition for its innovative work in Kenya by receiving a runner-up award for the Small Enterprise Exhibitor category at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Convention held in Nairobi.

How many people have subscribed to services in Kenya?

There are currently 38,000 subscribers to the services offered by M4G in Kenya. The Job Brokering Service, Kazi560, accounts for the majority of these subscribers, and has led to over 60,000 jobs being filled.

What kind of information is sent out to subscribers?

The idea is that each franchisee adapts its services according to the information needs in the communities it operates in, however the content is likely to be evolving around health, job information and community news.

Click here to read about the services in Kenya.

Where does the information come from?

The content comes from a number of content partners and from research done by Mobile for Good teams. For instance, the health content is developed in collaboration with recognised health NGOs to ensure that the health advice and answers to the questions coming in on the MyQuestion service are of the highest quality.

Click here to see a list of the local partners in Kenya.

How much does it cost for the users?

This will vary from country to country. For information on subscription costs of services offered in Kenya, please see here.

How can I subscribe?

Subscription to services is quick and easy. For full details on how to subscribe, click here.

In which countries will M4G be implemented next?

OneWorld is looking to start franchises in Tanzania, Nigeria, Cameroon and Uganda.

Who will run the ventures in new countries?

The franchises will be run by social entrepreneurs, in the wide sense of this term. This may include NGOs, individuals and small companies.

Can I run an M4G franchise?

If you are a social entrepreneur (NGO, individual or small company) you may very well be able to run an M4G franchise after going through a RFI (Request for Interest) process. If you are interested in becoming a franchisee of M4G, contact Shashank Kansal by emailing m4g[@]oneworld.net.

Who funds M4G?

At the moment M4G has received grants from Vodafone Group Foundation and Accenture Foundation, allowing us to set up the pilot project in Kenya and work on the business model and franchisee offering. From the beginning there has been a strong focus on financial sustainability, and this is very much what M4G aims for.

Who is behind M4G?

Mobile for Good has been set up by OneWorld UK. OneWorld is a global network which aims to harness the democratic potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to promote human rights and sustainable development across the world. To read about the OneWorld teams involved directly in the project, see here.

How can I find out more information about the project?

For further information about Mobile for Good, or to get in touch with OneWorld UK, click here.