Coping with rapidly changing information technology: challenges facing Africa's less-developed countries

Abstract

Information technology (IT) is changing rapidly and is bringing radical changes and opportunities to our economic, social and political spheres of life. However, along with these opportunities are a few challenges for information systems users and managers everywhere. In Africa's less-developed countries, these challenges are similar to those encountered in the industrialised world, and maybe more difficult to cope with. Successful coping requires capital, technical know-how, and a modern telecommunications infrastructure, all of which are deficient in many parts of Africa. IT applications can significantly impact competitive advantages in trade and development, and are deemed critical to the success of any organisation. This paper examines the problems that can be encountered with rapid changes in IT, and how organisations in the less-developed countries in Africa can cope.