Solar-Powered Internet Connectivity and Generative AI Access for Low-Income Households in Sub-Saharan Africa (SPIGA-Africa)

Access to the internet and electricity is crucial for economic development, education, and social mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, many rural and low-income households remain excluded from modern technologies due to high costs and inadequate infrastructure. With the increasing capabilities of Generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Gemini, there is a tremendous potential to use these tools to uplift education, local economies, and knowledge dissemination. This PhD project seeks to explore the technical and economic viability of providing stable internet connectivity through solar-powered solutions to low-income rural households. By integrating affordable energy systems with reliable internet, this project aims to bridge the technological gap and explore how Generative AI tools can empower communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research Objectives 1. Investigate the Best Solar-Powered Setup for Low-Income Households: The first objective is to determine the most efficient and affordable solar electricity setup, tailored to the daily electricity needs of low-income rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa (1-3 kWh/day). This setup should ensure reliable internet access for educational, professional, and household applications. 2. Identify the Most Economically Viable Internet Connection Technology: The second objective is to explore and evaluate both mobile networks (e.g., 3/4/5G) and satellite internet services (e.g., Starlink) for their viability in rural settings. The project will consider both cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility, balancing hardware costs, subscription fees, and service reliability. 3. Educational Applications of Generative AI: The final objective is to develop educational strategies for teaching local communities, including children and adults, how to use Generative AI tools for learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This aspect will focus on ensuring digital literacy in rural areas with minimal access to modern technology.