ICT and Big Data

Arrow Electronics, Close the Gap Create 'Digitruck' to Supply Power to Off-Grid African Communities

Arrow Electronics is helping nonprofit partner Close the Gap (CTG) launch a new program in Africa to convert used cargo containers into fully equipped classrooms and health clinics.Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a longtime advisor to CTG, endorsed the new program, along with 300 executives from the European Union, the government of Brussels and corporations in a Nov 19th ceremony marking CTG’s 10th anniversary.As part of the initiative, Arrow will sponsor the development and deployment of a Digitruck, a mobile solar-powered unit for use in villages off the electricity grid. The unit is scheduled to go into service in the second half of 2015, probably in Tanzania.

By Sustainable Brands | Published 10 years ago | About a 2 minute read

Arrow Electronics is helping nonprofit partner Close the Gap (CTG) launch a new program in Africa to convert used cargo containers into fully equipped classrooms and health clinics.

Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a longtime advisor to CTG, endorsed the new program, along with 300 executives from the European Union, the government of Brussels and corporations in a Nov 19th ceremony marking CTG’s 10th anniversary.

As part of the initiative, Arrow will sponsor the development and deployment of a Digitruck, a mobile solar-powered unit for use in villages off the electricity grid. The unit is scheduled to go into service in the second half of 2015, probably in Tanzania.

“It’s a fantastic development and a wonderful birthday present for Close the Gap,” Archbishop Tutu said.

With Arrow’s help, Close the Gap bridges the digital divide in developing nations by distributing high-quality refurbished computers and other equipment to schools, clinics and microfinance organizations, as well as establishing environmentally responsible e-waste facilities. Since 2004, the partnership has processed 440,000 computers from companies and reached 1.5 million users.

“Arrow guides innovators forward to a better tomorrow — not only in electronics, but in collaborations with innovative humanitarian partners like Close the Gap,” said Joe Verrengia, Arrow’s director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “The Digitruck is a compelling example of how together we can provide creative and sustainable solutions in emerging markets where the needs are greatest.”

The Digitruck is based on a 40-foot steel cargo container. It is triple-insulated to protect against tropical heat, and fitted with steel doors and window shutters to deter vandalism. Energy-saving technologies include LED interior lighting and a rooftop solar power system that can power the unit for two days. Added electronics include refurbished laptops, mobile devices, an LED flat screen monitor, a printer, two routers and two solid state drives. The entire unit is fitted to a commercial truck and trailer unit.

Arrow is the first company to sponsor a Digitruck. After the CTG anniversary event, three additional companies and government organizations pledged to sponsor additional units. Combined with a prototype unveiled at the Brussels announcement, the Digitruck fleet will include at least five units next year.