The upswing in African cell phone usage is impressive. Yet for Africa to fully reap the benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT), investment in broadband Internet and other robust technology is also necessary. Should African governments focus on expanding low-cost technologies that are easily adopted in both rural and urban areas, such as mobile phones? Or should they target more robust ICT services, such as Broadband and fiber-optic cable, that require heavy infrastructure investment? Are ICT-specific development projects required to enable infrastructure build-out or can ICT needs be met through mainstream financing programs for businesses? How should ICT investment be prioritized in relation to other pressing development needs in Africa? http://rru.worldbank.org/Discussions/topics/topic74.aspx
Das aktuelle Politikmagazin aus dem Hintergrund
