Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa - Research Paper Example

Digital technology has become one of the most widespread technologies in the world.  From cellphones to the internet to computers, the resources and products, as well as the utility of digital technology, is very much extensive.  Most countries of the world have at least the rudimentary elements and processes relating to digital technology.  In western developed nations, digital technology has become very extensive, with most human activities being managed digitally.  In other developing countries or regions like Africa however, digital technology is not as widespread or extensive in its coverage.

  Millions of individuals in these areas are still without cellphones, computers or internet connections.  In the current economic and political setting where globalization is an essential part of most transactions and human activities, digital technology has become a crucial tool for globalization.  In order for most countries to benefit and to be included in the globalization process, digital technology has become a major requirement.  However, with limited resources, the developing countries, including those in Africa, have not been keeping pace with digital technology.

  As such, a major gap between digital technology within Africa and Africa in relation to the outside world has been noted.  The breakthrough in technology and the growing digitalization of activities have left most countries of the world with no option but to be drawn into the digital global economy. The digital divide among the people of the developing world such as most of the African countries is far behind the other countries which have better access to information communication and technology (ICT).

There are various factors that are responsible for the digital divide among the people of the developing world such as socio-economical, commercialization, and liberalization, sociological and educational.