When we think of tech innovation and entrepreneurship, we often picture big cities: Lagos, Nairobi, San Francisco, London. But what if I told you that some of the most exciting opportunities in technology are waiting in rural communities?
For a long time, rural areas have been seen as “left behind” in the tech revolution. But that is changing. More young entrepreneurs are using technology to create businesses, provide services, and solve problems in villages, small towns, and remote communities.
Why Rural Areas Need More Tech Entrepreneurship
In many countries, rural communities face common challenges:
- Lack of access to quality education and healthcare
- Unemployment, especially among young people
- Limited business opportunities outside of farming and trade
- Poor infrastructure, including electricity and internet access
But here is the thing, technology can help solve many of these problems. With internet access, digital skills, and innovative thinking, rural entrepreneurs can start businesses that connect them to global markets.
From agritech (technology for farming) to e-commerce (selling online) to solar energy solutions, technology is helping people in rural areas build wealth without leaving their communities.
Edufun Technik’s Commitment to Rural STEM Access
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Edufun Technik STEM Foundation on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, visited Onono-Anam, a rural community in Anambra West LGA, Anambra State, to engage and inspire students in the community.
Led by the COO, Mrs. Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu, the team received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the management, teachers, and students of Great Sailors Secondary School.
This visit follows Edufun Technik’s remarkable initiative last year, where, with support from Harvard Innovation Lab and Harvard University. They established Tech Equity Lab, the community’s first-ever computer and digital lab and provided solar-powered electricity for the school and students.
During her address, Mrs. Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu encouraged students to seize the opportunities provided by the digital lab, highlighting its potential to unlock limitless possibilities. Speaking directly to the girls, she urged them to stay focused, believe in themselves, and strive to become changemakers in their communities.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Chinasa Ogbu, a student at Great Sailors Secondary School, shared:
“I am thankful to Harvard University, the Harvard Innovation Lab, and Edufun Technik STEM Foundation for providing us with this amazing gift—our very first technology lab. Before now, most of us had never touched a computer. We had only heard about them but never imagined having the chance to learn how to use them. We are forever grateful.”
Edufun Technik STEM Foundation continues to drive equity in education, ensuring that even students in underserved communities have access to STEM opportunities that can shape their futures.
How to Support Rural Tech Entrepreneurship
If you are an educator, introduce digital skills and coding to students in rural schools. Early exposure makes a big difference.
If you are a business owner, consider investing in or mentoring rural entrepreneurs. Many have great ideas but lack guidance and funding.
If you are a student or young entrepreneur, do not think that success only happens in the city. Look around, there are problems in your community that technology can solve.
Governments and organizations should also provide better internet access, funding programs, and tech training centers in rural areas to support these innovations.
Rural tech entrepreneurship is proving one big point, you do not need to move to a big city to succeed in technology. With the right tools and knowledge, tech-driven businesses can thrive anywhere, bringing jobs, innovation, and economic growth to underserved areas.
