I don't think he's equating the people themselves with zero, rather the benefit to them. A good example where technology has really helped in Africa are cell phones. So many stories of fishermen being able to call and ask "who needs fish?" and they're able to get to the right markets with better fish.

I didn't see these as having that 'killer app' for the populace where it noticeably makes life better, immediately, for the people they're given to.

Even in the sanitary-pad case above, the man said he was illiterate, IIRC. The computer wouldn't have done much there...