Humphrey's friends

View all>>

ICT still a dream for rural Africa.

posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2007 05:56 PM

Hullo fellows in the ICT arena... I regret to note that ICT usage in Africa has not yet gotten to the run as expected. ICT is only in very urban areas. This is due to three or four reasons.

1. Luck of Affordable Computers of any kind whether new or refurbished. In Africa I would like to bring to the world's notice that very fake and "useless" PCs with pilated software are sold between $200 to $300 and others that are abit usable are $100 more. this is far above what a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise in the African setting can afford.

2. Power problem. In Uganda For Instance, we have less power generated from the main sources which are Hydro and a few thermal. of the 70% rural Uganda 85% is total rural which only leave on less than a dollar a day. so we need to come up with affordable solar solutions for them if we need to address the ICT gap which has caused low growth economically and Geographically.

3. Un-avilable or poor ICT policies in African countries except a few. In Uganda, we have just gotten an ICT ministry that is trying to advocate for certain 4 to 5 bills to be passed by parliament, then maybe we will move.

4. Avail "PC on Loan scheme" If this can be initiated then village people can have PCs in seasons when they sell their produce and other Agricultural products.

Humphrey-UNIDO Business Inforation Solutions

Comments

Add your comment

(you must be logged in)