Information And Communication Technology Infrastructure Research Articles

Exploring the Feasibility of Deploying Technology Enhanced School-Based Teacher Continuous Professional Development in Internet-Limited Environments in Tanzania

In low-income countries, the use of technology to enhance teacher continuous professional development (TCPD) activities has been increasing significantly. However, most technology initiatives related to TCPD require the installation of complex information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in schools or availability of reliable Internet connectivity. While installation of ICT infrastructure is costly, the cost of the Internet is unaffordable to most teachers in low-income countries. This study explored the feasibility of deploying Raspberry Pi computers and tablets as micro-servers to facilitate school-based TCPD activities via a learning management system (LMS) without Internet connectivity. Teachers in eight schools in Dar es Salaam and Lindi accessed a TCPD sample module with Raspberry Pi and tablets providing hotspotting and treated as offline local servers hosting a LMS. After the trial, data was collected through focus group discussion, observation, and LMS logs involving 69 teachers. The findings showed that both Raspberry Pi and tablets could be used as micro-servers to provide access to learning resources in offline environments, but Raspberry Pi fared more favorably. Raspberry Pi was easy to set up and connected more devices than did the tablet. However, Raspberry Pi required careful handling as it is a delicate device. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in terms of the performance and cost of the two micro-servers. This study provided further evidence that both Raspberry Pi and tablets could be cost-effective approaches to deliver TCPD activities without installing complex ICT infrastructure or in areas with limited Internet connectivity.

Investigating the effects of ICT infrastructure on Malaysia’s economic growth: Insights from the Solow growth model

ABSTRACT Using annual data from 1970 to 2020, this study examines the effects of economic leadership, information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and financial development on long-term economic growth in Malaysia. To accomplish this, we employ the Kapetanios multiple breaks unit root test and the Saikkonen-Lütkepohl (SL) test for cointegration with breaks. We add to the body of knowledge on this topic by exploring the direct and indirect (moderating) effects of economic leadership and financial development on the ICT-growth nexus. We discover that poor leadership impedes economic advancement in Malaysia and that the expansion of the financial sector tends to enhance the growth-improving effects of ICT. Moreover, the effects of both financial and ICT developments on growth are contingent upon Malaysia’s economic leadership. As such, Malaysia should encourage competent economic leadership, financial development, and a comprehensive ICT infrastructure network to boost its long-term economic growth.

Pre-Service Teachers’ Professional Competence in Integrating ICT in Business Education in Lesotho: A Systematic Literature Review

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a concern in educational settings in developing and developed countries. Studies have shown that the increasing interest in integrating ICT into teaching practices has pressed teacher education institutions to incorporate 21st-century skills in training pre-service teachers to develop these skills for their classroom instruction in the future. However, studies on the integration of ICT in business education are lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine pre-service teachers’ professional competence in integrating ICT into business education during teaching practice, in Lesotho. A systematic literature review examined pre-service teachers’ professional competence in integrating ICT into business education. Hence, an integrative method of analysis was used to extract the influencing factors on the competence of pre-service teachers in integrating ICT in the teaching of business education. The findings revealed that pre-service teachers’ ICT professional competence is influenced by self-efficacy, which relates to the beliefs they hold about their capabilities to integrate ICT into business education. Furthermore, the findings revealed that professional competence is influenced by attitudes toward using ICT, inadequate training, and institutional infrastructure. Teacher education institutions should improve their training programmes to adequately meet the needs of pre-service teachers and develop policies regarding the integration of ICT in their curriculum. If teacher education does not address these issues, pre-service teachers will continue struggling with the integration of ICT in their teaching. Therefore, teacher education should refine its curriculum and support the integration of ICT into business education.

Impact of corruption control, free information flow, and ICT infrastructure on China's outward foreign direct investment

ABSTRACT This study examines the interplay between corruption control, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, and free information flow, assessing their collective influence on China's Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI). Based on unbalanced panel data on China's OFDI flows to 182 countries from 2005 to 2020, we find that improved corruption control measures and advanced ICT infrastructure in host countries significantly increase China's OFDI. Furthermore, a more robust information flow, facilitated by e-participation and a free press in the host country, enhances the positive influence of corruption control measures on attracting China's OFDI. Importantly, the beneficial effect of corruption control on China's OFDI is amplified when the host country has well-developed ICT infrastructure that supports e-participation. By elucidating the complex interplay between institutions, ICT, and international business activities, this study contributes novel insights into the understanding of ICT's role in socioeconomic development, particularly in the context of foreign investment.

Application of E-Services in the Urban Local Government in Bangladesh: A Study on Rajshahi City Corporation

Public sector information and communication technology (ICT) has a long history of using mainframe operations in the 1970s and microcomputing in the 1990s. It is recognized by the Government of Bangladesh that ICT has a development impact, as it enhances access to information, the quality of public service delivery and strengthens good governance practices. Since the ending of 2019, the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic has revived the importance of e-governance. In the initial stage of this climacteric period when people were socially distanced, restricted in quarantine, and not interacting face-to-face with each other created a whale of a ponderosas of e-governance in Bangladesh. Without any doubt, e-governance is the prime catalyst for urban development. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) is one of the oldest and leading municipalities in e-governance adaptation in Bangladesh. RCC, jointly with the local government division under the ministry of local government, has introduced e-governance through initiating an electronic birth registration information system (EBRIS) in 2001. This is one of the best paradigms for adapting e-governance at the urban local government level in Bangladesh. As a part of e-governance, RCC has launched Smart Auto-Rickshaw Management System (SARMS) to reduce traffic congestion on city roads. The study, based on primary sources of information, seeks to assess the role of SARMS in reducing traffic congestion on city streets as part of e-governance. In order to properly implement e-governance in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), researchers have come up with two recommendations for e-service providers following two broad sections. A rich ICT infrastructure is a prerequisite for providing e-services to the recipients. This study is based on empirical research. This first section of this paper is equipped with the details of the respondents, overall opinions of the respondents on e-governance are covered by second section, the third section is depictured the status of e-services in RCC. However, the last section is enclosed by the specific opinions of the respondents on EBRIS and SARMS.

ANALYSIS OF THE ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY-BASED LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

This study aims to examine in depth the advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based learning at the elementary school level. ICT-based learning in elementary schools refers to the integration of information and communication technology in the learning process. The government has adopted initiatives to bring ICT into the basic education curriculum. The population in this study consisted of teachers, students and related parties at Sekolah Dasar Negeri Maguwoharjo 1, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. The use of ICT allows wider access to distance learning, increases student learning motivation, makes it easier to understand material, and facilitates independent learning. Apart from that, teachers also find it easy to convey lesson material and minimize their shortcomings in coordinating the class. The use of ICT also provides easier access to learning resources, enriches learning, and facilitates the creation of important documents.Teachers need to address the challenges of technical preparation, device and internet accessibility, and changes in teaching methods. Schools must face the challenges of investment in ICT infrastructure, staff and teacher training, as well as unstable electricity issues. In facing these challenges, support from schools, teachers and other interested parties is very important to ensure the successful implementation of ICT-based learning.Keywords: Advantages, challenges, ICT, elementary school

Model for integration of information and communication technologies in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in southeast Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to develop a model for integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in resource sharing practices for enhanced service delivery in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria. Seven objectives guided the study; ICT-based resource sharing practices in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria; ICT infrastructure for resource sharing; ICT needs of librarians for resource sharing practices; stages of ICT integration in resource sharing; perception of librarians towards ICT-based resource sharing; challenges to integration of ICT in resource sharing practices; design a model for the integration of ICT into resource sharing; all in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted for this study is the mixed research design containing the “descriptive survey” research design and the “research and development, R&D.” The population of the study is 164, comprising all of the librarians in federal universities in Southeast Nigeria. All of the librarians of the five federal universities will be involved in the study. Hence, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection is a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that 88.8% of the librarians use ICT to boost the volume of resources; while 74% of the librarians were positive in all responses pertaining to ICT-based resource sharing practices in the libraries. The study also revealed that ICT infrastructures in the library for resource sharing are highly available and applicable; while computers and internet networks are the most needed gadgets for the operations. Libraries in Southeast Nigeria are in the applying and transforming stages of ICT adoption at a 69.7% response rate; while the librarians have a strong belief and understanding that a lot can be achieved in resource sharing through ICT; and would recommend such. Poor electrification, inadequate funding and unavailability of some ICT technologies were equally identified as challenges. The study conclusively developed a resource sharing model, the Southeast Federal University Library Connect; accessible at https://southeastfeduniconnect.njh.com.ngOriginality/valueThe research study is one of the few types of research that has developed a functional model for resource sharing in academic libraries in Southeast Nigeria.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC INFORMATION OPENNESS AND ICT DEVELOPMENT

The relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development and the level of Public Information Openness (KIP) holds significant implications for inclusive and sustainable societal development. This study employs statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation, to examine this relationship across Indonesian provinces in 2022. Findings indicate a positive correlation between ICT development and KIP. Access to ICT infrastructure and ICT usage show significant correlations with IKIP levels across various provinces. Provinces with better ICT development generally exhibit higher KIP levels. However, the relationship with ICT skills is comparatively weaker, indicating other influencing factors on ICT literacy within the community. The conclusion drawn from this research is that ICT development positively contributes to enhancing Public Information Transparency in Indonesia. Therefore, further efforts are needed to support equitable ICT development, enhance digital literacy, and strengthen public information transparency, enabling the population to effectively harness information and communication technology

IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Purpose. The article explores the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their role and place in the dynamics of the digital economy. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of the digital economy on GDP per capita in EU countries. Methodology. Analysis of ICT as a key factor in enhancing economic growth through the implementation of digital technology opportunities. Panel data from Eurostat and the World Bank covering EU countries from 2014 to 2021 were used for analysis. A correlation analysis was then conducted between variables, and the model was relevant for forecasting. Results. The number of studies on the impact of Information and Communication Technologies on the economic growth of countries has increased in recent years. However, there is still no assessment of the real GDP impact on the level of household Internet access in the EU area. Studying this gap in the literature allows us to draw conclusions about the implications for stakeholders regarding more effective implementation of the digital agenda. Scientific novelty. The digital economy, measured by Internet, mobile phone, and fixed broadband access, influences the economic growth of a country. This, in turn, depends on the level of technology measures covering the digital economy. ICT positively influence the development of countries' economies and can be used as tools by stakeholders. These agents should generate policies that enhance ICT technological infrastructure, digital empowerment of the population, and greater access to ICT. The GDP level model is presented as a function of Internet access for households in the EU area along with a short-term forecast for this index. It is shown that investments in ICT infrastructure are indispensable for the development of a strong knowledge- and digital technology-based economy. Practical significance. The research results will help in identifying opportunities and levers of influence for governmental institutions and other socio-economic systems on the impact of digital economy development processes on GDP per capita in EU countries.

Exploring theoretical constructs of smart cities and ICT infrastructure: Comparative analysis of development strategies in Africa-US Urban areas

This review paper explores smart cities' theoretical constructs and comparative development strategies, focusing on the juxtaposition between African and US urban areas. It delves into the evolution of smart city concepts, highlighting how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure serves as the cornerstone for enhancing urban management and service delivery. Through a comparative analysis, the paper reveals divergent strategic approaches, innovation ecosystems, and the prioritization of sustainability and inclusivity in smart city initiatives across the two regions. It underscores the significance of tailoring smart city development to local contexts, ensuring equitable access to technology, and the pivotal role of public-private partnerships. The paper concludes with implications for urban planners, policymakers, and technology developers, suggesting future research directions to bridge existing gaps and address emerging smart city trends.

Conceptualizing emerging technologies and ICT adoption: Trends and challenges in Africa-US contexts

This review paper explores the adoption trends, challenges, and opportunities surrounding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and emerging technologies in the Africa-US contexts. It identifies key drivers influencing technology adoption and outlines innovative solutions for sustainable development by analyzing the current state of ICT infrastructure, policy frameworks, socio-economic factors, and cultural considerations. The comparative analysis highlights disparities between Africa and the US while emphasizing the potential for cross-continental collaborations. Implications for stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and communities, and recommendations for fostering an enabling environment for technology adoption are discussed. By addressing gaps in research and embracing collaborative efforts, ICT and emerging technologies can drive transformative change, promoting inclusive growth and societal advancement in both regions.

Теоретические аспекты исследования взаимосвязи уровня развития информационно-коммуникационных технологий и социально-экономического развития регионов РФ

The influence of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the development of the country's economy as a whole and individual regions is considered, the importance of the ICT sector in the economic, social, and social processes of the country and its regions is noted. The necessity of identifying the relationship between the uneven development of the ICT sector and the socio-economic development of the regions is substantiated. A study of domestic and foreign works devoted to the relationship between the level of ICT development and socio-economic systems has been conducted. The author's interpretation of the concept of the “digital divide” is presented, the reason for its formation and strengthening, the concretization of the opportunities and threats it creates for the subsequent spatial development of Russia is revealed. By systematizing the characteristics of narrow and broad approaches to the definition of the digital divide, their advantages and disadvantages were highlighted, and the expediency of developing a new methodology for assessing digital inequality was proved. The essence of the narrow approach is manifested in the uneven access to ICT services, which is based on the uneven development of ICT infrastructure. The broad approach is based on the study of the level, causes and consequences of digital gaps between countries, regions, and territories. It is noted that the boundaries between the presented approaches are leveled as a reaction to the challenges of modernity, forming a new integral approach accumulating theoretical and methodological developments of previous periods. Improving management efficiency at the present stage is largely due to leveling the influence of factors exacerbating the digital divide, identifying and comprehensively studying emerging opportunities/threats for the development of specific territories.

Context-relevant strategies for ICT integration in teaching and learning science subjects in Tanzania secondary schools

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve science teaching and learning. However, understanding the contexts in which ICT is intended to be integrated for its effectiveness is limited. Therefore, the current study explored context-relevant strategies and challenges for ICT integration in the teaching and learning science subjects in secondary schools in Tanzania. Exploratory sequential design under mixed methods guided the study's conduct. 52 participants (45 science teachers, six heads of schools and one municipal education officer) were purposefully and conveniently involved. Data were collected in two phases: 1st phase was qualitative data through in-depth interviews, 2nd phase was quantitative data through a questionnaire. Thematic analysis guided qualitative data analysis where MS Excel in the form of pivotal charts were used to present the frequency of the responses. SPSS version 27 guided the quantitative data analysis, presenting the output descriptively. Participants presented various context-relevant strategies, including capacity building for teachers, building and equipping computer labs with ICT facilities, maintaining and repairing defective computers, deploying educational technology experts, and making ICT compulsory at all levels of education. On the other hand, participants identified a lack of ICT facilities, limited ICT training opportunities, and digital content as context-relevant challenges for ICT integration in science teaching and learning. The study recommends rigorous pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes on ICT pedagogical integration for science teaching and learning based on these findings. Again, we recommend the improvement of ICT infrastructure in schools to enhance the availability, access, and use of science teaching and learning. The study concludes that if sufficient infrastructures are available and science teachers are equipped with ICT knowledge, teaching and learning of science subjects will be effective.

The impact of ICT infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development on carbon dioxide emission in emerging economies: new evidence from Vietnam

PurposeThis study is intended to analyze the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development on carbon dioxide emissions in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThe present study adopts the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration technique for the annual data collection of Vietnam from 1990 to 2020.FindingsThe results of the study unveil that renewable energy consumption, the interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure and financial development have significant predictive power for carbon dioxide emissions. In the long term, renewable energy consumption, export and population growth reduce CO2 emissions, whereas the interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure and financial development increases CO2 emissions, while ICT infrastructure does not affect emissions. In the short run, changes in ICT infrastructure contribute to carbon dioxide emissions in Vietnam. In addition, changes in renewable energy consumption, financial development, the interaction between ICT infrastructure and renewable energy consumption and population growth have a significant effect on CO2 emissions. Notably, technological innovation has no impact on CO2 emissions in both the short and long run.Originality/valueThe current study provides new insights into the environmental effects of ICT infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development. The interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure has a significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. The paper suggests important implications for setting long-run policies to boost the effects of financial development, renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure on environmental quality in emerging countries like Vietnam in the coming time.

Exploring Portuguese preschool educators’ attitudes and practices on information and communication technology (ICT)

AbstractThis study aims to explore preschool educators’ attitudes towards to information and communication technology (ICT), its factors and implementation of ICT tools in preschool education by the educators. To this end, a mixed-method research approach was applied, comprising qualitative and quantitative data, collected using survey and field observation. The data, gathered from 58 preschool educators from the north of Portugal, were analysed by SPSS and the qualitative data gathered by five classroom observations analysed by thematic analysis method. Findings indicated that preschool educators have positive attitudes towards ICT integration in education regardless of age, years of teaching experience and attending professional course predictors. Additionally, educators use ICT tools as materials to enhance classroom activities, engage children, and conduct research with them. The results of this study reveal that preschool educators hold positive attitudes toward ICT and actively implement activities using ICT. However, educators are still the main users of ICT in the classroom. It was also observed that as these five classrooms lack the technological infrastructure, the educators usually rely on their personal resources. The lack of ICT resources could affect the independent use of ICT by the children. According to the findings, the study recommends that there are some schools in Portugal that lack ICT infrastructure. In order to overcome this situation, school leaders and policymakers should invest in ICT infrastructure in preschool institutions in Portugal that face a lack of ICT tools.

Overcoming Distance Education Challenges in Nigeria: A Call for Collaborative ICT Integration

This article looks at the benefits of Distance Education (DE) or Open Learning Systems as the means of providing education that meets the growing demand for education on the account of the financial concerns and changing priorities. The historical development of communication methods is one of the factors that shaped the education sector considerably and now we have the open learning systems as a popular way of. The aim of the establishment of DE as highlighted by scholars is to create another parallel system which can be integrated with formal education. Other objectives include promoting flexibility, constructing an egalitarian society, facilitating in-service and lifelong education and utilizing communication technology for wider outreach. ICTs hold the key to global educational initiatives, providing an environment of collaboration and disseminating ideas in the most effective manner. Although ICTs belong to one of the most transformative technologies, Nigeria is faced with challenges of integration of ICTs, among them deficiencies in ICT infrastructure. Distance education has proved to be successful for the purpose of widening educational chances but Nigeria faces problems like low ICT penetration, erratic power supply, and meagre economy. It is noted that ICTs play a critical role in the development of distance education in Nigeria and that this research stresses the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders— government, private companies, and international organizations—to enhance ICT infrastructure, implement international cooperation frameworks, and integrate ICT literacy and use into academic courses. Keywords: Distance Education (DE), Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), OLS, Education Issues, Flexibility in Education, ICT Infrastructure, and Inclusive Learning.

The role of digitalization, infrastructure, and economic stability in tourism growth: A pathway towards smart tourism destinations

AbstractThis study shows the impact of information and communication technology (ICT), inflation, economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructural development, and financial development on the global tourism index across all income groups. We use a generalized method of moments technique, novel index of tourism, and ICT in 130 countries from 1995 to 2019. The empirical results infer an increase in tourism due to sustained growth in ICT (all panels), economic growth (all panels), FDI (all panels), financial development (all panels), and infrastructure development (all panels). This study highlights the importance of increasing 4G networking in remote areas and introducing reliable mobile applications to promote smart tourism, which involves setting up a Tourist Information Centre to guide tourists in terms of traveling, accommodation, food, shopping, parking, history of specific places, healthcare services, weather forecasting, and emergencies. The central bank could ensure price stability by using different tools of monetary and fiscal policy while encouraging FDI and ICT infrastructure in the tourism industry, especially in developing countries. Tourism is directly associated with foreign exchange earnings, which in turn increases the financial strength of an economy. Besides, prioritizing investment in infrastructure, particularly in sanitation and waste management, drinking water supply, clean fuel management, and generation of electricity, could bolster tourism. The contribution of this study employs multiple indicators in the form of a composite index (i.e., global tourism index, ICT index, and infrastructure index). In addition, we have developed a global ICT index using several related indicators.

The Impact of ICT Adoption in Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Primary Schools of Amathole East District, Eastern Cape

This study examines how information and communication technology (ICT) impacts the schooling environment within the primary sector in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province's Amathole East District. ICT adoption in education can fully modify the ways that instruction and learning are given to students, but it also comes with obstacles, especially in the rural primary schools in the Amathole East District. This research intends to shed light on the current ICT status adoption of Amathole East District's primary schools. Three primary schools were chosen, and three research participants from each school were chosen using the purposive sample technique. Data were gathered through focus groups and in-person interviews. The acquired data were analyzed and presented using a thematic approach. It was revealed as the findings that while teachers were willing to embrace ICTs into teaching and learning and had a good attitude toward technology adoption, they needed the necessary ICT competencies. Furthermore, several challenges and barriers were identified, and these included inadequate ICT infrastructure, a shortage of teacher training in technology integration and a lack of access to ICT tools. The study concludes that teacher training programs be expanded, invest in infrastructure development, and develop a comprehensive ICT policy framework. Taking the research's findings into account, the research offers practical recommendations in enhancing ICT adoption, investing in infrastructure development, expanding teacher development opportunities, to formulating a comprehensive ICT strategy framework so that schools are ready to run virtually in the event of another pandemic related to COVID-19.

English Foreign Language Teachers’ Perception on The Use of Information and Communication Technology in Teaching English at SMKN 3 Langsa

This study aimed to explore English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' perceptions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in the English language teaching and learning process. The main purpose of this article is to explore the challenges of teacher face in using ICT. Two experienced teachers, recognized for their ICT integration, selected as the research subjects at SMK Negeri 3 Langsa. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, data was collected through semi-structured interview. The findings reveal that both teachers acknowledge the positive role of ICT in enhancing teaching efficiency, student engagement, and diversifying learning resources. Despite encountering technical challenges, such as network disruptions, both teachers advocate for continuous teacher training, increased investment in ICT infrastructure, and innovative research to optimize ICT integration in English language teaching, ultimately contributing to a more effective learning environment.

Towards ICT diffusion and trade liberalisation on inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

AbstractWhile the debate over the nexus between trade liberalization and inclusive growth is progressively reaching some consensus in emerging and developing economies, the empirical findings are mixed for sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Some of the SSA countries experience rapid growth in information and communication technology (ICT) diffusion manifesting in increased green wealth via the invention of new ideas, access to wider markets like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promoting accountability, social inclusion, and e-governance among others. The present study critically assesses how ICT diffusion modulates trade liberalization on inclusive growth throughout the 2005–2020 periods for 48 SSA countries. This study contributes empirically and methodologically to literature, specifically on the construction of the ICT index, inclusive growth index, and adoption of a better befitting econometric model. The study explores the direct impacts of ICT diffusion and trade liberalization, and their indirect impacts using an interaction term on inclusive growth. Contrary to the prior expectations, trade liberalization does not lead to inclusive growth in the SSA region, but ICT diffusion has a positive and significant impact on inclusive growth. However, the interaction term of ICT and trade liberalization improves inclusive growth. Therefore, the study advocates for policies that would build a knowledge-based human capital, stimulate innovation in socio-economic systems, and develop ICT infrastructure and its penetration among others, with the expectation that as AfCFTA takes effect, ICT diffusion will facilitate intra-regional trade, enhancing inclusive growth in the African region among other sound policy suggestions.