Finding the formula for sustainable ICT : Lessons from the One Laptop per Child project in Rwanda

Sammanfattning: This thesis identifies threats to, and strengths in, the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) deployment in East African developing country Rwanda, and discusses what effect these characteristics may have on the long-term sustainability of the project. The main data collection method used is interviews, performed during a two month field study in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. By using a framework based in the field of technology transfer, a comprehensive picture of the project is presented, covering the whole process from early decision making and acquisition to the potential assimilation and development of the technology. The most important strength in the OLPC project has proven to be a strong will and commitment of the local organization as well as the country’s government to see it through. A well-adapted organization of support and technical assistance has also proven to work well so far. However, as the project increase in size over the next few years, several threats are also identified. These threats include a lack of financial means and skilled personnel, strong technical dependency on the OLPC organization and insufficient plans for the future expansion. We argue that the project would become more sustainable if expansions were to cease and a larger focus was put on securing the current deployments.