Fostering ICT integration in development initiatives and mainstreaming ICT4D in developing countries is the core focus area of BIID in Bangladesh. Mr. Akbar led various e-Agriculture projects and entrepreneurship development programs for small business and youth. e-Krishok is one of the flagship ICT service brand in agriculture sector targeting farmers and agro-businesses. Innovation is the driving theme of BIID for developing sustainable ICT4D services. For more details about BIID, visit www.biid.org.bd
Agricultural extension, nutrition, youth engagement, gender, ICT4D, SME and agri-businesses, agronomy apps, access to finance and ICT solutions for agriculture is the core areas of Mr Akbar's work portfolio.
Mr Akbar, born on August 4, 1970 at Chittagong, Bangladesh completed his Masters in Finance and Banking from University of Dhaka,
Mr. Akbar worked as ICT Consultant in SwissContact/Katalyst, Bangladesh and introduced Rural ICT Market in Bangladesh led by private sector. Mr. Akbar also served in financial sector (SMEs and Agriculture Credit) for 8 years. He contributed in various global ICT4D initiatives including the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) at national and international level. He serves as a Member of the Editorial Panel of ICT4D Working Paper Series. Mr. Akbar contributed the development of eAgriculture Strategy developed by ITU and FAO.
Mr. Akbar is now serving as the Chairman of Asia Pacific Telecentre Network (APTN), a regional network of 8 member countries promoting telecentre and ICT4D.
He served as National President of JCI Bangladesh in 2010-2011 and member of Rotary International District 3281.
What are your domain(s) of expertise?
Innovation which includes use of ICT in agricultural Extension, engagement of youth in nutrition, homestead gardening, rural entrepreneurship, social enterprise and ICT for development
What is your relationship with agricultural information management standards, tools and services?
We manage data and information in a standard format to ensure easy and open access. No specific protocol followed for managing the data. Our interest is learn on how to use the data more structured way.