Info-Tech in African Countries! Where are we in Economic Development? (A Critical Examination of the Social, Economic, Technical and Policy Growth, with Respect to the Expansion of Information and Communications Infrastructure in Nigeria)

Abstract

The trend of globalization and the spread of ICT has taken an important place in the African development agenda; but, more than just a global demand, the presence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has somewhat carved out an alternative path to development. Notwithstanding the urgency and enthusiasm with using this new medium for social and economic change, the Internet has brought about negative as well as positive contributions to development in Africa. “Of about 1000 COMMUNICATION SATELLITES LAUNCHED into Space just few were from Africa while the greatest are from Asian and Europe. Egypt has the highest in Africa with just 4, South Africa has only 2 while Nigeria lunched 2 in 2003 and 2007 but successful in one while the later on November 11, 2008, NigComSat-1 failed in orbit after running out of power due to an anomaly in its solar array.” (NIGCOMSAT 2011 Newsletter). Genuine development cannot take place in a continent that is full of leaders who are indifferent to the plight of its citizens. These leaders are lured by the profit business motives of multinational companies that come to invest in their countries at the expense of local industries struggling to stay afloat. We have to focus on Advanced Information Technology, for ourselves and by ourselves. His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Governor, Imo State Nigeria, said “if we want the future to be bright then education/e-learning must be right”. Therefore, if we must ensure economics stability, adequate and safe food supply for an expanding world of Africa and must develop an Economic System that will intervene in the mechanism of African Growth we have to go ICT in all our dealings. This article examines how Information Technology (IT) will contribute and has contributed in promoting economic development initiatives in Nigeria and African as a whole. The emergence of the new technologies requires quick skill in innovation and integration which is influenced by a profound access to e-assessed economic valuable knowledge.