Digitel Talk

In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn is joined by Kimberly Brown, Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation and Emerging Tech at the GSMA, to explore how mobile connectivity and artificial intelligence are transforming humanitarian action around the world.
With more than 400 million people currently in need of humanitarian assistance, connectivity has become far more than a convenience it has become a lifeline. Kimberly shares how the GSMA works with mobile network operators, governments, regulators and humanitarian organisations to build partnerships that deliver life-saving digital services before, during and after disasters.
The conversation explores how cell broadcast technology is enabling faster emergency alerts, why early warning systems are becoming essential for climate resilience, and how AI is helping identify communities that may otherwise be left behind. Kimberly also discusses the Connectivity for Refugees Initiative, which aims to connect 20 million refugees and host communities by 2030, improving access to communication, employment, education and essential services.
Ian and Kimberly also examine the role of AI for Good, including the Early Warning Connectivity Map, edge AI, digital inclusion, accessibility, and the importance of developing AI that works in local languages and low-resource environments. The episode highlights how the GSMA Innovation Fund is supporting innovators across health, agriculture, climate resilience and humanitarian response, proving that technology can deliver meaningful impact when combined with strong partnerships.
Whether you're interested in telecommunications, AI, humanitarian innovation or digital transformation, this episode offers an inspiring look at how mobile technology is helping create safer, more connected and more resilient communities worldwide.
Links & Resources:
 GSMA
 AI for Good Global Summit 
M4H programme 
Connectivity for Refugees 
Early warning systems in the Pacific 
AI languages report 
Edge AI report 
Usage gap / digital divide 
GSMA Innovation Fund 
ConnectHear 
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telecom operators with technology strategy, digital transformation and business growth.
Guest Bio:
Kimberly Brown leads the Emerging Tech and Humanitarian Innovation programmes at the GSMA, where she works with mobile operators, policymakers, and partners to apply digital technologies and AI to development and humanitarian challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Her work spans inclusive AI adoption, digital humanitarian assistance, and innovative partnerships across the mobile ecosystem. Prior to joining GSMA, she held senior roles in humanitarian organisations, focusing on advocacy and multilateral engagement. Kimberly holds a BA in Psychology, an MA in International Development Studies and Political Science, and an Executive MBA from London Business School. 
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
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In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn sits down with Wade and Koddi Dunn, the dynamic co-founders of Love Mobile®. Redefining what it means to be a modern telecoms provider, this visionary husband-and-wife team built a prepaid wireless network out of a simple kitchen table conversation and a shared conviction that commerce and community belong together. 
Wade and Koddi share the deeply personal story behind Love Mobile, how they entered the telecom industry as outsiders, and why they believe business should create lasting impact — not just profits. From helping nonprofits close funding gaps to supporting organizations delivering meals, showers, clean clothes, and safe spaces for vulnerable communities, this episode explores how telecom can become a platform for hope, dignity, and change.
The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, innovation in MVNOs, mental health, global connectivity, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and why “legacy and impact” drive everything they do.
Links & Resources:
Love Mobile®
LinkedIn page - Love Mobile
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe. Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitization, and growth.
Guests Bios:
Wade Dunn Jr. and Koddi Dunn are the co-founders of Love Mobile , The Cell Phone Company That Gives Back®. As life and business partners , they built the company from a kitchen table conversation into a mission-driven force redefining telecom. Koddi serves as CEO, bringing visionary leadership , while Wade serves as COO, leveraging his operational coaching expertise.
 Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Love Mobile provides wireless service plans built on their proprietary Give Back Model™. Through this framework, a portion of every monthly subscriber bill automatically supports local nonprofits across four core pillars: Education, Environment, Community, and Animal Welfare. 
Wade and Koddi don't view purpose as a corporate pivot; it’s their entire foundation: “We didn’t start a company and then decide to give back. We decided to give back, so we started a company.”
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

In this episode of Digital Talk, host Ian Ginn sits down with Alex Mwaura, the Kenya Country Director for Digital Green. With over 24 years of experience in the humanitarian and development space, Alex shares the incredible journey of how Digital Green is moving beyond traditional video-based extension services to pioneer FarmerChat—an AI-powered mobile assistant designed to help smallholder farmers thrive in an era of climate uncertainty.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Evolution of Extension Services: How Digital Green transitioned from YouTube videos to hyper-localized AI advisory. 
The Power of FarmerChat: A deep dive into the Android-based AI assistant that uses text, voice, and images to diagnose crop pests and diseases. 
Impact by the Numbers: Discover how AI has helped farmers increase the adoption of improved agricultural practices from 7% to 70%. 
Keeping the "Human in the Loop": How Digital Green uses expert agronomists to validate AI-generated advice to ensure accuracy and safety. 
Scaling through Partnerships: Why telecommunications companies are the key to reaching the "last mile" and supporting the 60% of the African workforce employed in agriculture. 
Links and resources
Digital Green
Farmer Chat
Case Study: Digital Green Farmer Chat 
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.

Guest Bio:
Alex has worked in the humanitarian and development sector for over two decades, fueled by a passion for sustainable community development and the use of technology as a driver of social impact. From an organizational development standpoint, he is dedicated to building highly functional teams that design and deliver impactful projects and programs. 
Currently, Alex serves as the Country Director with Digital Green Kenya. In this role, he oversees the deployment of FarmerChat, an AI assistant that provides localized and timely agricultural advisory for farmers. As of March 2026, this initiative has reached over 1.3 million farmers. Prior to joining Digital Green, Alex spent 23 years leading multisectoral humanitarian and development initiatives across East, Central, and Southern Africa. 
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

How do we prepare the next generation for a world where AI and connectivity are a given? 
In this episode, host Ian Ginn welcomes Martine de Leeuw, Co-founder and CMO of Chat License, a startup providing a digital "driver's licence" for children.
Martina explains the philosophy behind Chat License: a science-backed, gamified app developed with Erasmus University Rotterdam that helps families navigate the transition to a child's first digital device. Rather than just restricting access, Chat License empowers children with the skills to handle photo sharing, scams, and digital etiquette.
What you’ll learn:
Why "prevention" is key to tackling cybercrime and digital addiction.
The role of telcos and cities (like Amsterdam and Rotterdam) in promoting digital citizenship.
How to have meaningful conversations with your children about their favourite games, like FIFA or Roblox.
Martina’s advice for entrepreneurs looking to use AI for good.
Links & Resources:
Chat License
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.
Guest Bio:
ChatLicense is a science backed gamified guide that enables digital healthy habits & skills from the start. This first app of the online world of children acts as a 'driver’s license' - empowering kids and their parents to navigate the online world safely, wisely, and confidently. Our goal is to foster happy cyber vibes in a world where digital connectivity is a commodity and where rapid developments continue to reshape how we live, learn, and connect. Together, we’re shaping a safer, more positive digital future starting with the next generation.
 
Founder JungleBird Agency While meeting entrepreneurs from all over the world on the same journey towards a better future JungleBird Agency was born. Wherever triple-bottom-line thinking is at heart or just a start, we help increase their impact.
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

How do you connect the 3.5 billion people currently facing a "usage gap" in global connectivity? In this episode of Digitel Talk, host Ian Ginn catches up with first-ever return guest Carlos Oba, the Founder, CEO, and CIO of Dots for Inc. 
Fresh off their win at the MWC GloMo Awards for Digital Inclusion, Carlos reveals the incredible growth of his "DC Box" network. We explore how his team is creating a sustainable digital ecosystem that allows people to stay in their beloved villages rather than migrating to expensive, overcrowded cities for work.
Links & Resources:
GLOMO Awards
MWC 2026
Dots for Inc.
Episode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.
Guest Bio:
Carlos Oba is the founder of Dots for Inc., an entrepreneur dedicated to solving social issues in rural Africa. Inspired by his experience in Tanzania, he realized that digital connectivity is essential for sustainable development. In 2021, he launched Dots for Inc. to provide low-cost communication infrastructure and smartphones. Currently operating in Benin and Senegal, his platform has empowered over 750,000 people with access to education, finance, and digital gig work. Carlos strives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring rural communities can thrive in the global digital economy through innovative, community-based business models. 
Podcast credits:
Host: Ian Ginn
Editor: Francis Wright
Designer: Rebecca Ginn
Project manager: Ivana Duric
Send us your feedback
Support the show
Follow Digitel Talk
Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact getintouch@digiteltalk.com

If you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.

You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com