Managing and developing the strategy for Africa’s information in global computerisation

Abstract

Highlights Africa’s historical glory and position in the information and communication sector against the perspective of her previous contribution to the development of the information age. Now as a net importer of information, and having lost the earlier standing, information technology is a key resource that should be maximised by the African nations in order to achieve competitiveness in the current dynamic world economy. Africa is at the crossroads with the rest of the world. It is now economically stagnant and technologically marginalised, having only 1 per cent of the Internet connectivity out of over 50 million intended worldwide users. There is one telephone for every 200 people, only 2 per cent of the world telephone connections. The current situation is analysed by means of a literature review which identifies the fundamental issues and difficulties facing African countries in the age of the information society. The participatory roles Africa needs to play as her contribution to the creation of a global information society are highlighted in the discussion.

Citation

Gundu Shibanda, G. and Musisi‐Edebe, I. (2000), "Managing and developing the strategy for Africa’s information in global computerisation", Library Management, Vol. 21 No. 5, pp. 228-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120010324752