Ivory Coast has
one of the best telephone
networks in Africa, yet, the
Internet revolution seems to
have swept past it. In fact
only 12 of Africa's 54 countries are linked to the
Internet, raising fears in
international policy circles of
a further marginalisation of
the continent. The two
major obstacles to the spread
of the new technology are
ignorance about the know-
how and the fear in the
African state-dominated
telecommunications sector
that it will deprive them of
revenue. "Everyone realises
that Africa is lagging, that it
is the only part of the world
that does not have network
connectivity," says Lawrence
Landweber, a professor of
computer science at the
University of Wisconsin, us,
and president of the Internet
Society, a group of Internet
users whose aim is to promote the network's development.
However, there may be
light at the end of the tunnel.
Some analysts say that it is
ano opportune time for Africa
to look at new information-
based technologies. Maintains Peter Knight, a World
Bank official who specialise,
in communications: "Afrill
doesn't have huge invest
ments in copper wiring, anj
in a sense that is to its advan
tage. They can go straig4
into things like fibre-opti
and wireless communic'I
tions, and, if thq du it igir
overnight they can be pret
close to the leading edge."
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.