Mapping theoretical and practical issues in the relationship between ICTs and Africa’s socioeconomic development

Abstract

The relationship between new information and communication technologies (ICTs) and socioeconomic development has remained largely a subject of academic debate. While some researchers believe the new technologies represent the tonic that Africa needs to boost economic growth, other researchers are less sanguine. This paper maps out the debate in the literature, including perceived and real impact of new technologies on Africa’s social and economic development. The paper examines also the current and emerging issues relating to new technologies’ adoption and use in Africa, as well as the problems associated with the technologies in developing African countries. Based on evidence drawn from successful diffusion and use of new technologies at micro and macro levels in Africa, Southeast Asia and Canada, the author takes the position that there is a strong link between uptake of new technologies and the socioeconomic growth and development of different countries and communities. The issues examined in this paper provide a research-based framework for the analysis of the impact of ICTs on the socioeconomic development of Africa.