Chris Cooper

iLab Liberia

iLab Liberia is a non-profit computer lab, tech training hub and co-working space that provides access to cutting-edge technology, expert IT assistance and a community leveraging technology for the good of Liberia. iLab offers public ICT trainings, supports local businesses with tech integrations, works closely with the Government of Liberia on Freedom of Information initiatives, and customizes online tools for early warning & response actors. Since opening our doors in 2012, iLab have offered 250 free trainings and public events for 2,500 Liberians that focus on open source technologies and other contextually relevant solutions for the Liberian context. iLab also customizes technologies for projects across West Africa, including mobile data collection & analysis platforms, online reporting platforms for citizen engagement & good governance initiatives. iLab has overseen the customization & implementation of surveys to more than 30,000 respondents in urban and rural settings, trained dozens of enumerators, and assisted data analysts – for governments and non-profits – in how to best utilize the results. In collaboration with our long-time partner Accountability Lab Liberia, iLab also co-manages iCampus – a shared innovation and community space for organizations, start-ups and government agencies working at the intersection of technology, accountability and social change in Liberia. iCampus acts as a physical and virtual space for ICT and governance trainings; a cross-sectoral networking and innovation space; and a focal point for elections and open governance work.