IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Facebook's New Internet.org App Launches in Africa

Mark Zuckerberg's mission to expand free web access in Africa starts with the Internet.org app in Zambia.
Get more newsLiveon

Facebook is introducing a new app in Africa that will provide free data access to sites like Wikipedia, Google and, yes, Facebook and Facebook Messenger. It’s part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Internet.org initiative, which aims to bring mobile Internet access to the developing world. "Right now, only 15% of people in Zambia have access to the internet," Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page. "Soon, everyone will be able to use the internet for free to find jobs, get help with reproductive health and other aspects of health, and use tools like Facebook to stay connected with the people they love." Facebook is starting with Airtel subscribers in Zambia. Once users download the Internet.org app for Android, they will have free access to 13 different sites. Facebook plans to "roll it out to other parts of the world" in the future.

IN-DEPTH

SOCIAL

-- Keith Wagstaff