Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Adeya, Nyaki
Author-Email: adeya@intech.unu.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies
Author-Name: Cogburn, Derrick L.
Author-Email: dcogburn@umich.edu
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Michigan
Title: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities for Africa in the Information Economy
Abstract: Two of the key characteristics defining this historical period are the twin
	 concepts of globalization and the information economy. This transformation - which
	 embodies social, economic, political, technical and cultural processes - is
	 affecting nearly all of the world's people and economies and creating tremendous
	 challenges and opportunities in its wake. An African-driven agenda is needed to
	 confront these challenges and to develop effective strategies to exploit the
	 opportunities presented by these revolutionary developments. This paper used data
	 from published reports, mostly from international organisations. It offers a
	 sweeping overview of the forces contributing to globalization, the transformation
	 of national economies, the potential role of information and communication
	 technologies, and the likely implications and challenges for African countries. It
	 is divided into three parts. In Part I, the paper focuses on an understanding of
	 globalization and the information economy, both defining and critically assessing
	 these terms, and illuminating the depth of the transformation that the global
	 political economy is currently experiencing. Part II, looks specifically at the
	 challenges and opportunities presented by these developments with an understanding
	 of current African realities. Finally, Part III, discusses a way forward for the
	 region, including recommendations for national, sub-regional, regional, and global
	 action and partnerships.
Keywords: ICT, Information Technology, Economic aspects, Social aspects, Africa
Series: Discussion Paper
Creation-Date: 2000
Number: 2000-03
File-URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/discussion-papers/2000-3.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 234 Kb
Handle: RePEc:unm:unuint:200003