"The Africa Report" - looks at ICTs

During my 4-hour delay in the Johannesburg airport, I picked up this magazine called The Africa Report, a publication based out of Paris. The main reason for buying the mag was because of its large bold ‘2007’ encrusting half of the cover, and “how the continent measures up: 53 country profiles”. This is the first time I had learned that there are 53 countries in Africa. Amazing that it took two years of being in and out of sub-Saharan Africa to know this fact. Besides catching up on the political climates predictions on Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique, they also had an article on ICTs in Africa titled, “Welcome to the permanent revolution”. The article seemed to give a very positive spin on telecommunications with its predictions of a 50% share of a “mature market” by 2009 and how telecom operators will have to adapt to the competitive arena through better quality service and moving towards information provided through cellphone internet access. It also summarizes the major employment impacts in North Africa like Morocco as they rapidly take advantage of its technology advancements by creating ICT-related jobs. Tunisia is attempting to follow suit. In terms of reach, it would be positive to see operators investigate further on potential of service in much-needed rural areas. Due to high costs of expansion to geographically dispersed areas, government and policy-makers will need to also look further into infrastructure potential particularly where it is most needed. Looks like much is expected from ICTs this coming year and look forward to following it during my time here in Nairobi.