IT+IN+AFRICA

AMY AND GREGORY

Read about the challenges faced in connection with Technology availability in Africa.[|Prospects of IT in Africa]

[|Africa waiting for net revolution] [|Africa in the new Millennium] Africa is a vast continent consisting of 54 countries. Each country is different and varies as to the stage of development it is at in terms of information technology. But, in general there are large socio-economic problems affecting African countries. This in turn cripples equal access to information and communication technologies. Many regions in Africa suffer from malnutrition, endemic and epidemic diseases (such as Malaria and Aids etc.), continuous conflicts, political instability and bad performing economies. These issues obstruct the goal for increased information access. (Africa, 1996) Many governments’ resource disposals are limited, and thus the majority of what is available is directed to dealing with emergencies, leaving few resources for long-term developments and investments. African governments face two challenges in regard to information and communication. 1) The provision of access for better and more efficient participation in economic life. 2) Coping with the challenges of rapidly advancing technology. Another hurdle to implementing information technology in many African countries, mainly very poor countries, is the low levels of knowledge and inadequate innovative skills at lower, middle and higher levels. Internet connection plays a big role in information communication. In 2007 fewer than 4 out of every 100 Africans had access to the internet. (Waters, 2007) This is an obvious problem. Africa has the lowest internet penetration out of all the continents. There are efforts underway to renovate the availability of the internet. The good news is that there is hope. Investments are going into improving information technology in Africa. The other good news is that Africa has had the highest growth in mobile use globally - twice the global average over the past three years. (Waters, 2007). This is statistic can be used In the development of information penetration in Africa. (done by Amy) Africa, P. f. (1996, May 8). //Prospects for information technology in Africa.// Retrieved March 22, 2010, from UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER: http://www.africa.upenn.edu/ECA/eca_plnrs6.html Waters, D. (2007, October 29). //African waiting for net revolution.// Retrieved March 24, 2010, from BBC news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7063682.stm
 * An interesting article on internet in Africa
 * Article on internet connecting Africa to the world
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