Use of internet technology negligible in Africa

An opinion by Eric Sindabi

The internet was invented in USA to speed up Information sharing by the military and other stake holders during world war. Today however internet technology is a world wide link of millions of computer networks to share information. The internet has speed up globalization in what is referred to as “global village” or “information superhighway”. It is also what information scientists refer to as “information explosion”

Critics have described internet technology as “the biggest technological generation gap in history” This means that the speed of retrieving and the scope of information needed by a user is a great milestone in technological advancement. There are no, at all, political or any other kinds of boundaries on the exchange of information. Indeed communicating and sourcing information resources through the internet can be one of the most convenient, easier, advanced and economical way of embracing development.

Nevertheless the use of internet technology in Africa has ever since been a paradox. This accounts to the many reasons why the continent is still lagging behind in many development and social sectors. Globalization is like a whip-which strikes unexpectedly and Africa seems to have been whipped. Lack of appropriate governments’ policies guiding technological developments rapes the continent and denies Africans a chance to play on the same levels in globalization. In fact statistics indicate that Africa is rated the lowest in the use of internet technology with a mere 1% as compared to 78% USA, 11% Europe and 9%Asia.

It is profound to note that education and ignorance, accessibility, social and political factors contribute a great deal, why the use of internet technology is negligible in the continent. African governments should for example create independent and competent technological sectors to guide and implement all matters of technology.

Introducing information technology courses at all levels of education can also be a great leap in embracing the use of technology in the continent. Governments should also impact on the training of more information technology experts as well as providing tangible incentives for the growth of information technology. Parliaments should also revise existing laws on technology and communications developments. For example all sectors of the economy should embrace the use of information technology starting from; agriculture, transport, and commerce. All government sectors and functions should also embrace technology in management and implementation of policies.

This will ensure that better services are supplied to citizens hence improving their lives. Social scientists hint that the hallmark of great civilizations has been their systems of communications. We ought not to be left behind. We must wake up!