Project assistant Mike Schmitz assesses donated computer equipment to be shipped to Nigeria

The WiderNet Project will be donating computers via ocean liner shipment them to Nigeria. Previous donations such as in October of 1998, involved air cargo transport. Twenty-six computers were transported as excess air baggage. For a cost of $145 per box, one computer per box, the total shipment cost was approximately $3770. If over 300 computers are transported in this manner, costs can scale up to $43,500! Despite frequent voyages to Nigeria for technician training programs and coaching decision maker workshops, making mass shipments of computers via an ocean liner container is much more efficient and economical.

Initial estimates of the cost of shipping approximately 300+ computers were initially around $12,000.  This is a significant reduction in cost compared to air cargo transport, but is still very expensive.  After further investigation, lower estimates were found to be between $5000 and $6000 for the total shipping transaction. This saves over $37,000.  

Because this is a nonprofit organization, the cost of shipping is to be met by the recipient Nigerian university.  However, we are looking for donations towards this fund as well as computer equipment donations.  

Over 300 computers were been donated in just a little over one year. With the help of many WiderNet volunteers, the computers were tested, packed and shipped to Africa. They are now in Nigeria, beginning their journey to the Universities of Ibadan and Jos.

This is not the end of our project -- we continue to collect computers (see our donations page for details on how to donate) and when we collect about 300 more, we will send another container.

	May 2002 Shipment
	The first shipment of donated computers aims to reach the University of Jos, Nigeria.
	April 2004 Shipment