Civic action

Erik Hersman is an entrepreneur specializing in the deployment of new Internet-based technologies in Africa. In 2008, he co-founded the Ushahidi platform with Kenyan activist Ory Okolloh. Now used in more than 150 countries, this platform provides digital tools to protect human rights, fight corruption and all forms of violence, and bring humanitarian aid during natural disasters. More specifically, Ushahidi uses crowdsourcing and social mapping for the benefit of the poor. "Ushahidi" (which means "testimony" in Swahili) collects testimonials sent by emails and text messages, which are used to create eloquent and accessible online maps.