The African Development Forum '99 post ADF summit : Information and communication technology policies and strategies

Abstract

The majority of African countries are experiencing socio-economic challenges characterized by low growth rates, balance of payment difficulties, the consequences of weak industrial bases and poor infrastructure, heavy international debt burdens and problems associated with huge public and social expenditure. The region is still marked by conflicts and the widespread social and physical disruption they entail. These problems could be compounded by the new challenges posed by globalization and the information age, or steps could be taken to embrace policies aimed at exploiting the new information and communication technologies (ICTs) to craft inclusive and representative solutions. Information society programmes will not solve Africa's problems, but they can contribute to the improved delivery of basic services such as health and education, significant new business opportunities and more open political processes. They can thus enable an informed and empowered population and better understanding by the rest of the world of the diversity of African experience