Empowering digital participation and affordable access

Open-source platform for connectivity and edge cloud infrastructure

Deploy iNethi

About iNethi

Strong communities are built on shared creativity and local resources. iNethi partners with communities to co-design a powerful, open-source platform for content sharing and local services. This isn't just technology: it's a tool for resilience and socio-economic empowerment.

iNethi delivers an extendable, locally-hosted server that lets communities effortlessly create, share, and synchronise content between local networks and the global cloud. It's a living system, constantly evolving and fully open source. Join us in building a more connected and resilient future, powered by local innovation.

Explore what's possible with iNethi

Community-driven toolkit

iNethi is a co-designed, fully open-source platform. It empowers communities to manage their own locally-owned infrastructure for communications.

Offline connectivity

Access social networking, chat, and file-sharing services locally without requiring an expensive internet connection.

Local economic growth

Integrated community inclusion vouchers (like Krone) incentivize users to expand infrastructure and create local services.

How iNethi Works

Co-Design

We work with residents to identify local needs, from educational content to community radio.

Infrastructure

A mesh network is deployed using WiFi and TV White Spaces (TVWS) for resilient coverage. A cellular network based on Open5GS is now also available in areas that can get a cellular spectrum license.

Local Server

A locally-hosted, docker-based server runs services like Wikipedia, chat, and file storage.

Sync & Share

Content is synchronised between the local network and the global cloud, allowing for seamless updates when internet is available.

Payments

We support payment systems in South Africa as well as a local community voucher system built on blockchain. We can easily customize our payment modules to support other countries.

Our Growing Footprint

iNethi deployments provide low-cost internet access alongside free access to localised resources and services, covering large areas with resilient, community-owned infrastructure.

Ocean View, South Africa

Our flagship deployment since 2018, now featuring over 20 hotspots supported by local business leaders.

Kilifi, Kenya

A partnership with Grassroots Economics providing 7 hotspots integrated with community vouchers.

CoMaCH Networks, South Africa

Supporting maternal and child health interventions in Sweetwaters and Ga-Dikgale.

Karonga, Malawi

Delivering offline educational content to the lakeshore community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "iNethi" mean?

Does iNethi require a constant internet connection?

Is the platform secure?

Can I contribute to the code?