Internet Village

From Cyber Café to Digital Revolution: The Internet Village Vision

Fifteen years after its founding, Internet Village has evolved into a transformative community network, empowering people with digital access, education, and economic opportunities.

Laying the Foundation for Digital Empowerment

In 2005, Joseph Jubril Robinson launched a digital cybercafé in The Gambia with limited internet access. Through satellite technology, the café became more than just an internet hub; it was a catalyst for digital empowerment. Offering essential services such as computer literacy training, printing, hardware supplies, and repair services, the cybercafé bridged the digital divide for individuals and schools, laying the foundation for Tujereng’s rise as a center for technological innovation.

Building a Community Network

By 2015, with no external grants or support, Robinson transformed Internet Village into a full-scale community network. The shift from dial-up to satellite-based internet extended connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, and homes within a 100-meter radius. More than just providing access, Robinson trained local residents to manage and maintain the network, fostering digital ownership and long-term sustainability.

To meet growing demand, Internet Village deployed community Wi-Fi hotspots, making connectivity more accessible and affordable. This initiative underscored the importance of community-driven networks in bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive development.

Pioneering Renewable-Powered Digital Inclusion

One of the most groundbreaking advancements was the integration of solar-powered infrastructure. These installations addressed frequent power outages in Tujereng, ensuring consistent internet connectivity. The solar-powered system provided stable connections for students, enabling uninterrupted online learning, and allowed local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses to broader digital markets. This sustainable model reinforced the critical link between renewable energy and digital inclusion.

Strengthening Women-Led Community Networks

Robinson and his team actively support the Fandema Project, a licensed women-led empowerment and skill development center. As a community network hub in the West Coast Region, Fandema not only connects local communities but also serves as a driving force for eco-cultural tourism, economic empowerment, and education.

“I believe this will be one of the most impactful community networks, demonstrating the leadership of young women and fostering collaborations with local universities to drive research and innovation,” says Robinson.

Shaping the Future Through Advocacy

Beyond Tujereng, Robinson’s work in regional advocacy has elevated the role of community networks as an alternative pathway to digital inclusion. Through his involvement with the Fandema Information, Communications, and Technology Association, he has facilitated knowledge-sharing on the transformative potential of community-led networks. These efforts contribute to policies recognizing community networks as key players in closing the digital divide in The Gambia.

His collaboration with the Mbolo Association further accelerates digital inclusion through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding. By integrating community networks into university curricula, this partnership ensures that future professionals not only understand but also innovate within the ecosystem of community-driven connectivity, securing their sustainability for years to come.

With an unwavering commitment to digital access, renewable energy, and local empowerment, Internet Village continues to redefine the possibilities of community-led technological transformation in The Gambia and beyond.