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1. Introduction
While a great deal of attention has been paid to the “digital divide” within developed countries and between those countries and the developing ones, most Africans do not even have such luxury as access to books, periodicals, radio, and television channels, which is precisely why information and communication technology (ICT) is so important to Africa. ICT has the potential to have a positive impact on Africa's development. So, how can Africans transform that potential into reality? And how can Africans access that technology? Without access, that technology cannot do much for Africans – thus, the essence of digital technology.
The digital technology often refers to the newest ICT, particularly the internet. There are, of course, other more widely available forms of ICT, such as radio and telephones. But there are many problems concerning the generally abysmal state of networks of every kind on the continent that make it difficult to fully utilize the development potential of even this technology. Africa's electrical grid is grossly inadequate, resulting in irregular or non-existent electrical supplies. The biggest problem is that in many countries, significant power distribution networks are non-existent in rural areas.
Africa's phone systems are spotty and often rely on antiquated equipment, and progress is hamstrung by bureaucracy and, in most instances, state-owned monopolies. But African governments have the power to alter these circumstances and, gradually, some are doing so. The signs of progress are unbelievable. A few years ago, a couple of countries had internet access. Today, all 54 countries and territories in Africa have permanent connections, and there is also rapidly growing public access provided by phone shops, schools, police stations, clinics, and hotels.
Although Africa is becoming increasingly connected, access to the internet, however, is progressing at a limited pace. Of the 770 million people in Africa, only one in every 150, or approximately 5.5 million people in total, now uses the internet. There is roughly one internet user for every 200 people, compared to a world average of one user for every 15 people, and a North American and European average of about one in every two people.
An internet or e-mail connection in Africa usually supports a range of three to five users. The number of dial-up internet subscribers now...