User:Ngwanaelisha/Bridging Africa's digital divide

Bridging Africa's digital divide
The terminology is used to depict Africa’s lagging information technological infrastructures vis-à-vis other regions in the world. The internet penetration in Africa is below par that of Asia, Europe, North and South America regions. Information technology is considered as the backbone of modern economic, social, and political development; therefore, Africa needs to experience a significant increase in investments in telecom infrastructures, expanded internet usage, and government acceptance of emerging technologies. The “bridge” term refers to catching up at a rapid pace oppose to a gradual, incremental change. The topic has been covered extensively by the United Nations Development Agency (UNDA), the World Bank, research institutions, and international developmental agencies.

Current state of Africa's digital infrastructure
In comparative terms, fewer than twenty-five percent of Africa's population possess steady internet connection. These figures are exceedingly lower when compared to other developing regions like Asia, Latin America and Oceanic countries. Telecommunication companies rely on satellite connectivity to provide internet access - thus, higher data rates and limited internet penetration. Recently, national governments have approved licenses for the installation of fiber optic cables and networks. However, less than half of the population lives within ten miles of internet fiber optic infrastructure. A few major cities boost of higher internet speeds and these have served as incubation centers for entrepreneurial developments in new applications, coding, e-commerce and social media platforms. The low per capita and disposal incomes imply less than twenty percent of people can afford a gigabyte of internet per month. Despite these set backs, international development agencies, private and public enterprises like (Facebook, Twitter) are making bold investments in Africa's IT infrastructures including the opening of regional offices. The growing youthful population who make up over sixty-five percent of the one billion population presents tremendous opportunities with regards to bridging the digital divide.

Relevance of technology-fueled growth
It is imperative to invest in Africa's lagging digital infrastructure for a couple of reasons. Internet connectivity is directly linked to information sharing, creation of business opportunities, economic growth and social stability. A stable Africa means retrenchment of global terrorists cells, and the ability of African governments to invest in defense capabilities for their respective territories. Improving the digital infrastructures encourages the development of new digital jobs, skill transference between regions and rapid deployment of current semi/unskilled workers to other regions which may be in need of such skills. Increase in economic activities translates to higher tax revenues, ability of government to provide societal needs like hospitals, roads, schools and other social programs. This new expanded digital sector will create new opportunities like digital mobile money transfers, adoption of cryptocurrencies and expansion of African stock markets. The benefits of digital investments certainly out way the costs.

External Readings
"The Prospects of Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa" by Abdul Rahman Garuba (unl.edu)

Bridging the Mobile Digital Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa: Costing under Demographic Change and Urbanization (imf.org)

CONNECTING AFRICA AND BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE - NEPAD (itu.int)

Indigenous Peoples and Connectivity: Bridging the Digital Divide | DISD (un.org)

A Strong, UN-Based Digital Bridge | United Nations

(PDF) Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa: A Technology Perspective (researchgate.net)