Chris Locke: ‘Show me the money’

United Methodist Communications will host the Game Changers Summit Sept. 3-5, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The conference will demonstrate how information and communications technology (ICT) can be used to improve all facets of life. The focus? Helping parts of the world left behind by the technological revolution, to solve problems in education, wellness and community development with cutting-edge communications tools. This article series will spotlight some of the speakers and panelists participating in the Game Changers Summit.

The accepted definition of a developing nation is one that lags behind in terms of economy, education or other resources. But Chris Locke thinks many developing nations have actually taken the lead in utilizing mobile technology.

“It’s actually a critical part of the infrastructure and, in many ways, the usage is more advanced than it is in our countries,” says Locke, founder of Caribou Digital, which analyzes how technology is changing in emerging markets.

“The real impact we’ve seen has been in financial inclusion, where mobile money is now at the rate where in many emerging countries, anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of the country’s GDP goes over mobile money. It’s replacing cash quite rapidly.”

A common misconception in the field of Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D) is that mobile devices are a luxury in an impoverished nation or in a disaster-stricken area — a theory that Locke refutes. In the same way modern society considers a mobile phone to be an essential tool for daily life, the same holds true in a rural African village.

“For many people, a mobile phone gives them access to doctors and health information for the first time. It may give them access to educational information for the first time,” he says.

Furthermore, it gives them access to mobile money, which Locke considers one of the more vital facets in the ICT world. “It which gives them financial inclusion for the first time, which gives them a way to make small micro-payments to perhaps access a solar-electricity unit for their home for the first time. It may give them a credit rating for the first time to allow them to get loans to start a business.”

*Butler is a multimedia editor/producer for United Methodist Communications.

Be a game changer! Register for the Game Changers Summit, Sept. 3-5, 2014.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Human Sexuality
The Rev. Izzy Alvaran (right) and others pray together on May 1 after the 2024 United Methodist General Conference, meeting in Charlotte, N.C., voted to remove the denomination's ban on the ordination of "self-avowed practicing” gay clergy — a prohibition that dated to 1984. Alvaran is on the staff of the Reconciling Ministries Network, which has unveiled a new strategic plan after success at last year’s General Conference. File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

LGBTQ advocates aim to build on 2024 gains

Reconciling Ministries Network, after success at last year’s General Conference, hopes to help the emerging United Methodist Church live into a more inclusive future.
Theology and Education
Graphic by Taylor W Burton Edwards based on The 2020/2024 Book of Discipline, Copyright 2024, United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.

Ask The UMC: Part 1, Local churches, annual conferences, and general agencies

Some are smaller, and some are bigger, but changes have come in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline for local churches, annual conferences, and general agencies.
General Church
The United Methodist Church’s Committee on Faith and Order met alongside the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. The Faith and Order Committee, whose members include United Methodist scholars and ecumenical leaders, is responsible for guiding the denomination in informed theological reflection and discernment. It also is helping the standing committee in developing a General Book of Discipline that includes the essentials for the denomination. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

Committee begins theological work

United Methodist leaders are evaluating what parts of the Book of Discipline can be adapted in different geographic areas and which apply worldwide. The work is heading to General Conference regardless of whether regionalization is ratified.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved