Information technology and the challenge of economic development in Africa

Driven by developments in information technology applications, the world is moving rapidly towards knowledge-based economic structures and information societies, which comprise networks of individuals, firms and countries that are linked electronically and in interdependent relationships. Information and telecommunication innovations present opportunities for "leapfrog" strategies that could accelerate the development of the continent. Africa's development challenge remains fundamentally one of reviving sustainable growth and reducing rampant poverty. In this, Africa faces a complex mix of developmental problems that need to be tackled. Although vast and multifaceted, some of these include: the challenge of recouping the large losses in Africa's share in international trade;the quest for human capital development through better health can improved education;the challenge of promoting effective macroeconomics management and good governance;the demographic challenge;and the quest for agriculture development and food security and environmental conservation. Integrating Africa into the world of information technology with its vast global infrastructure will provide the means to address most of these challenges. To these ends, African countries would need, as a matter of priority, to upgrade their capabilities in order to increase their connectivity to global information through the improvement of their telecommunication infrastructures and the acquisition of computer and computer-related equipment.