In conversation with Rosa Akbari

"I’d much rather keep tabs on pastoralists use of SMS or small business owners workarounds for digital payments than reading the latest news on TechCrunch."

 

Tell us about your role and what gets you out of bed in the morning

Functionally, I support when / where / why / how to integrate digital technologies (and partners, service providers) into resource constrained contexts, primarily for purposes of humanitarian response. Most recently, I’ve been focused on supporting large-scale humanitarian cash transfer programmes, as well as supporting essential work in mobile health, agriculture, nutrition and supply chain programs.

I love helping others to make informed decisions around what will be the most impactful technologies, partnerships etc. and I typically serve as a bridge between technologists and non-technologists. I suppose I’m a kind of trusted broker and often my role is hidden.  Slowly, I think people are starting to realize this can be integral to the success of a large scale tech project and I love the feeling that my role is so connected to the success of projects that have such an impact on fellow human beings.

I also love learning how people are bending simple technologies for their own needs, in seemingly “less developed” locations or within “complex crises.” I’d much rather keep tabs on pastoralists use of SMS or small business owners workarounds for digital payments than reading the latest news on TechCrunch.

 

How did you get to where you are today?

Luck, curiosity and cautiously stumbling along unexpected pathways. I’m fairly up front about what I know and what I don’t know. This results in a lot of leaning in on others to help develop the situational awareness we need to piece together the best outcomes re digital integrations.

More specifically, my interest in the world of “impactful tech” was sparked when I spent a very brief time in Haiti a few days after the 2010 earthquake. Basic ICT and mobile technology was accessible to many and I was fascinated how it became an invaluable tool, updating (OpenStreet) maps to allow for better co-ordination of logistics etc.. I’ve basically followed that curiosity ever since.

 

What is the most important lesson you have learned along the way?

  1. Trust is key.
  2. Technology / ICT is an industry. Regardless of goodwill intent, this should never be forgotten.
  3. “Being an expert” is very relative. It’s been quite fascinating to observe the quick ascent of experts in “emerging technologies” (e.g. AI, ML, blockchain / digital ID) and how they will “most definitely” impact “the unbanked” or other demographics in the developing world. All I can say is it seems there are a lot of experts who understand technology and its potential. But I believe there are far fewer who can navigate how to make it all work sustainably in a new context, with new populations.

 

What’s your pitch to CEOs in the identity space? What do you suggest they START / STOP / CONTINUE doing and why?

  • START educating people on what actually makes a recognized identity. What are the fundamental building blocks? Which public policies and stakeholders / authorities should be involved?
  • STOP selling pipe dreams based solely on product designs. No ID app or platform will hold meaning unless the right stakeholders (and regulators) are engaged and on board. Thankfully we are seeing a reduction in Marketing campaign that promote “digital ID for all refugees” or the like.
  • CONTINUE promoting standards that uphold interoperability. Continue to educate governments on what makes a good public technology / societal platform, as well as share successes of large-scale (and govt led) technology initiatives. Digital ID is the backbone of a new age of digital governance. Ot needs to be treated as more than just a pilot project, dependent on archaic RFP / tender processes.

 

What does diversity mean to you?

Without diversity, my perspectives on life would be much less interesting (or balanced) !!

 

What book, film or piece of art would you recommend to fellow WiD members?

Fake Like Me book coverMy book would be: Fake Like Me, by Barbara Bourland.  Full disclosure ….. the author is a friend! But it’s a fun read for summer that’s ostensibly a murder mystery based in an artists’ colony. Ultimately, it’s also a witty introspection into identity and how easy it is to create (and destroy) it.

Art – https://artscoops.com/  I know it’s not a single piece, I know, but it’s a great place to keep revisiting you’re wanting to support artists from the Middle East.

 

Finally, what advice would you give to the teenage ‘you’?

“You won’t end up in Law School. Though maybe don’t tell Mom just yet!!”

 

Connect with Rosa on LinkedIn or via her website.