Internet Society Togo Launches Pilot Community Network In Atti-Akakpé

ITC

Monday, 01 December 2025 07:02

Internet Society Togo Launches Pilot Community Network In Atti-Akakpé

(Togo First) - Internet Society Togo on Saturday launched a community wireless network in the village of Atti-Akakpé, aiming to improve internet access in a long-underserved area.

The deployment, funded by the Internet Society Foundation, includes a solar power system and network infrastructure with access points installed across the village. Emmanuel Elolo Agbenonwossi, president of Internet Society Togo, said the rollout shows how community networks can provide sustainable connectivity.

“Communities take charge of their own digital development when they have the skills and tools they need,” Agbenonwossi said. He urged authorities and partners to increase resources for rural areas in order to speed up digital inclusion.

Connectivity is delivered through a radio link supplied by operator Café Informatique. The system relies on a tower nearly 20 meters high and provides speeds of 20 megabits per second. Power is supplied by six solar panels and lithium batteries that keep the service running continuously. Access to the network is available to the public for a flat daily fee.

Residents say their access to essential services has improved. Before the installation, villagers often traveled several kilometers to buy mobile data. The new service now makes it easier to complete online administrative tasks such as university registration and to obtain medical consultations through a partnership with local tech startup Dokita Eyes. The startup also offers digital skills training for young people and women, including those without formal schooling.

The project includes training on network governance, maintenance and responsible technology use. Other partners include Compassion International and ARCEP Togo, the national telecom regulator.

Internet Society Togo is the national chapter of the Internet Society, an organization that promotes an open and accessible internet. The chapter works on digital inclusion, skills training and community network initiatives in rural areas to reduce the digital divide and help communities manage their own infrastructure.

The Atti-Akakpé network serves as a pilot site and the chapter plans to seek additional funding to expand this model to other rural communities.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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