ICTs in Africa: Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity

The contribution that communications play in the development process has been clearly demonstrated. Improving access to ICTs has significant socio-economic implications which is why improved connectivity to close the gap between the haves and have-nots is such an important step towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals. ICTs and their contribution to areas such as distance learning, telemedicine, and e-governance result in healthier, more literate populations better positioned to actively participate and advance national economies. ITU is committed to transforming the digital divide into a digital opportunity for all.

Developments for the ICT Sector in Africa

One of the biggest developments in expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in Africa involves communications infrastructure. The lack of basic infrastructure is historical in the region with the percentage of fixed telephone lines being the lowest worldwide with an average of 4 main lines for 100 people. This in turn constrains the deployment of broadband access via ADSL, which is the main method of fixed broadband access in most countries across the world. Annual mobile growth rates of over 48 per cent over the last five years further lend to Africa being dubbed "the least wired region in the world". Despite the overall low level of broadband penetration, double and triple-play services similar to other regions are beginning to emerge. Current data and trends suggest that Africa has immense potential to improve its infrastructure deployment and telecommunications usage.

Connectivity in Africa illustrates the global digital divide. Disparities also exist within the African region. For example, Egypt has 3 times the fixed line penetration of Nigeria and three quarters of the continent’s fixed lines are found in just 6 of the continent’s 53 countries. Improving physical access is just one step in connecting the unconnected. Further challenges involve adopting and harmonizing appropriate public policies and regulatory frameworks; both are imperative in creating an enabling environment and making ICTs more accessible. As wealth distribution and social services can be strikingly skewed, access needs to be affordable for ordinary Africans. In most African countries, broadband prices remain very high compared to income levels and the average price of an entry-level monthly broadband subscription is over USD 100, exceeding average per capita income. Morocco and Senegal have more attractive prices at USD 18 and USD 40 respectively, lending to broadband popularity. For investors, this represents a segmented market attractive to any business strategy.

Connecting the Unconnected

Many African governments have prioritized ICTs in their national agendas, appreciating the great impetus and contribution that communications play in the development process. These commitments together with those of other stakeholders are in parallel with ITU’s comprehensive strategy to bridging the digital divide. ITU’s leadership of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is one aspect of this strategy. Another is the Connect Africa initiative. In October 2007, African leaders and industry heads as well as CEOs of leading ICT companies from around the world met at the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda to mobilize human, financial and technical resources and bring new investment commitments aimed at bridging ICT infrastructure gaps. The initiative sought to advance ICT investment, which in turn boosts investment across the economy and fuels economic growth and employment. Ensuing commitments to the tune of USD 55 billion are a significant step forward. Broadband access in particular will increase competitiveness in all industry sectors in Africa and help improve services across the development spectrum. Broadband is not just about the Internet. It is also about the convergence of communication applications that incorporate multiple data formats of text, sound, and video. The bundling of TV, Internet and phone services allows for radical cost efficiencies, which in turn can be used to introduce new services in previously underserved communities.

Advancements in regulatory and policy frameworks are also being addressed with innovative public-private partnerships that seek accessible end-user equipment and service for all. Broadband is an enabling mechanism to reach connectivity targets and the delivery of ICT applications, especially in key areas of education, health care, trade and governance, and promises to open up new markets and competitiveness in all industry sectors in Africa. With financial commitments and innovative partnerships, African operators are now forging ahead with deployment of next-generation technologies including third-generation (3G) telephony, broadband Internet, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Africa indeed is a most enticing market for ICT!

Much is being advanced in terms of infrastructural developments in Africa, and much still remains to be done. Affordable and equitable access remains critical for economic empowerment and attracting foreign direct investment. ITU TELECOM AFRICA 2008 is the global networking platform that brings together stakeholders at the highest level. Products and services from around the world are marketed to meet the needs of the regions’ various markets. Trade is facilitated and expedited as partnerships are solidified and negotiations sealed.