Close the Gap is an international social enterprise that aims to reduce the digital divide by giving high-quality second-hand ICT equipment (laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) a second life in educational, medical, entrepreneurial and social projects in low-income countries. The devices are donated by companies and public institutions and professionally processed for long-term reuse.
Since its launch in 2004, Close the Gap has collected more than 1,500,000 ICT devices, reaching more than 5,500,000 persons in over 50 countries around the world (mainly in Africa).
Together with its sister organisations and partners, Close the Gap also supports local entrepreneurship and innovation in African countries. Incubation programmes and training courses are organised to give young entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop themselves and their businesses. In this way, Close the Gap ensures that all the necessary tools (ICT equipment, professional working environment and targeted support services) are in place to fully grasp the talent and enthusiasm of young entrepreneurs.
Finally, Close the Gap is the driving force behind the Digitruck programme, a mobile IT classroom that gives local communities access to ICT equipment and training in rural areas where infrastructure and power supply are often lacking. Since the start of the programme in 2015, 13 Digitrucks have already been launched in Africa and 1 in Europe.
