Social and commercial benefits of geoinformation

Abstract

The paper examines the social and commercial benefits of geoinformation in the context of Africa's struggle to maintain a competitive position in the global economy. The author argues that Africa's passive stance in the face of globalization poses a significant threat to its future. The Abuja Treaty, which advocates for regional economic integration, is highlighted as a strategic response to these challenges. Geoinformation is presented as a critical tool for decision-making, capable of positively influencing socio-economic development by providing precise knowledge of resources, facilitating sustainable planning, and enabling trans-boundary management of issues like watersheds. The paper emphasizes the economic implications of poor geoinformation management, including the waste of resources and the risks of uninformed decision-making. It calls for the establishment of harmonized geoinformation policies and infrastructures at national, sub-regional, and continental levels to enhance data accessibility and utility.