How To Set Up and Operate a Successful Computer Refurbishment Centre in Africa

This guide describes the steps involved in opening a computer refurbishment centre in Africa and managing it productively. It is intended to distill best practices and provide information on proven methods that could be replicated in refurbishment centres across the continent.

The guide also discusses the two models for a computer refurbishment centre that the authors argue are best suited to the African market: centralised refurbishment with distributed support, and purchasing consortium.

Topics include:

• A guide for African computer refurbishment centres
  
• Critical success factor for management: quality through process orientation
• Supplementary ICT [Information and Communication Technology] equipment
• Considerations for choosing between suppliers: corporate or donor?
• Computer laboratory: possible products
• Licensing Windows: Microsoft Authorised Refurbishment Scheme
• Increasing impact and ensuring sustainability
• Facilities and infrastructure
• SchoolNet Africa's "One million computers for African schools" initiative