Mobile Phones

Mobile phones have been one of the most rapidly adopted technologies ever introduced in the developing world. With multiple uses such as voice, SMS, and access to the internet, mobile phones produce diverse economic and social benefits. Jenny Aker, a non-resident fellow at CGD and an assistant professor of economics at Tufts University, explores the use of mobile phones in development, suggesting that although they are no ‘silver bullet,’ they have much potential.

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Zap It to Me: The Short-Term Impacts of a Mobile Cash Transfer Program - Working Paper 268 - Sep 20, 2011

This paper reports on the first randomized evaluation of a cash transfer program delivered via mobile phone. The trial households in targeted villages monthly cash transfers and finds that the mobile phone–based program saves costs and has greater benefits for recipients.
Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.
ABC, 123: The Impact of a Mobile Phone Literacy Program on Educational Outcomes - Working Paper 223 - Sep 13, 2010

The results of a randomized evaluation of a mobile phone education program (Project ABC) in Niger suggest that simple and relatively cheap information and communication technology can serve as an effective and sustainable learning tool for rural populations.
Mobile Phones and Economic Development in Africa - Working Paper 211 - Jun 1, 2010

Over 60 percent of Africans have access to a cell phone, a simple technology that many believe will fundamentally change the dynamics of agricultural markets, banking, and government service delivery. In a new paper, Jenny Aker and Isaac Mbiti separate the hype from the reality.

Mobile Phones and Economic Development in Africa - Working Paper 211 - Jun 1, 2010

Over 60 percent of Africans have access to a cell phone, a simple technology that many believe will fundamentally change the dynamics of agricultural markets, banking, and government service delivery. In a new paper, Jenny Aker and Isaac Mbiti separate the hype from the reality.
Zap It to Me: The Short-Term Impacts of a Mobile Cash Transfer Program - Working Paper 268 - Sep 20, 2011

This paper reports on the first randomized evaluation of a cash transfer program delivered via mobile phone. The trial households in targeted villages monthly cash transfers and finds that the mobile phone–based program saves costs and has greater benefits for recipients.
ABC, 123: The Impact of a Mobile Phone Literacy Program on Educational Outcomes - Working Paper 223 - Sep 13, 2010

The results of a randomized evaluation of a mobile phone education program (Project ABC) in Niger suggest that simple and relatively cheap information and communication technology can serve as an effective and sustainable learning tool for rural populations.
Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.

Zap It to Me: The Short-Term Impacts of a Mobile Cash Transfer Program - Working Paper 268 - Sep 20, 2011

This paper reports on the first randomized evaluation of a cash transfer program delivered via mobile phone. The trial households in targeted villages monthly cash transfers and finds that the mobile phone–based program saves costs and has greater benefits for recipients.
Iraq’s Last Window: Diffusing the Risks of a Petro-State - Working Paper 266 - Sep 12, 2011

Johnny West describes how an oil-dividend program could be structured by, for example, taking advantage of Iraq’s existing rationing system, ubiquitous mobile phone networks, and new biometric ID cards.
ABC, 123: The Impact of a Mobile Phone Literacy Program on Educational Outcomes - Working Paper 223 - Sep 13, 2010

The results of a randomized evaluation of a mobile phone education program (Project ABC) in Niger suggest that simple and relatively cheap information and communication technology can serve as an effective and sustainable learning tool for rural populations.
Mobile Phones and Economic Development in Africa - Working Paper 211 - Jun 1, 2010

Over 60 percent of Africans have access to a cell phone, a simple technology that many believe will fundamentally change the dynamics of agricultural markets, banking, and government service delivery. In a new paper, Jenny Aker and Isaac Mbiti separate the hype from the reality.

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Mobile Phones

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