NICE International BV is a social venture in The Netherlands that has developed a concept for solar-powered ICT service centers in developing countries. These NICE-centers are operated by local entrepreneurs on a franchise-basis.
Access to Internet is a strong driver for economic growth, but its potential is largely untapped in developing countries. The low penetration of Internet is mainly a result of the high cost of equipment and connectivity, as well as the lack of access to electricity. The NICE centers aim to overcome these barriers in order to improve the lives of people living at the lower end of the economic pyramid.
NICE started in 2006 with two pilot NICE-centers in The Gambia in West-Africa. After a successful completion of the pilot, a third center was opened in The Gambia in 2009 and several more will be opened in 2010 and beyond. In addition, NICE International plans to expand the concept to other developing countries in partnership with local organizations.