The Inclusive Digital Model (IDMODEL) project has recently published a policy brief that reveals how short video platforms inspire marginalised communities with new ways to generate income. The Haate Haat APP developed and rolled out as part of the IDMODEL project helps marginalised communities and grassroots entrepreneurs in Bangladesh communicate with each other and establish important links, collaborations, and networks. They also create business and income through the short videos that they produce by themselves.

Since 2019, we have conducted the Haate Haat APP promotion and usage training programme. Our project partner SBK Foundation has established Technology (Tech) Hubs in 64 districts of Bangladesh, and has mobilised these Tech Hubs to assist our project. Our surveys found that found that 38.1% of individuals in our sample adopted Haate Haat after the usage training programme and download campaign, and 60% of them reported more than 10 hours of monthly usage of the APP. Our training programme therefore  inspired people to run their own businesses, and improve their life skills. Haate Haat users felt confident to use other mobile APPs and to learn occupational skills such as languages, research market information, develop business ideas, and find job opportunities.

The findings and policy recommendations are available to download below.

The project partners include the SBK Foundation and the University of International Business and Economics, China. Other supporting organisations include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bangladesh and the Kuaishou Technology Co., Ltd.

The policy brief was written by Professor Xiaolan Fu, Prof Pervez Ghauri, Jianan Lu and Sonia Kabir. The views expressed in the publication are those of the authors.

Please download below.

Find out more about the IDMODEL Project here.