The digital divide in developing countries

The editors of this book have brought together a fine selection of scientific articles centred around the changing communications landscape in Africa. Indeed th... » 

The editors of this book have brought together a fine selection of scientific articles centred around the changing communications landscape in Africa. Indeed the technological and political convergence of formerly separate communication areas audiovisual media telecommunications informatics is offering African countries new opportunities. Information and communication technologies ICTs are increasingly filtering through into the African continent. However Africa has only taken its first steps on the path towards an information society and is far lagging behind when it is compared to the western countries. A new invisible border that seperates those who can afford ICTs and those who can not is arising. This socalled digital divide could have farreaching consequences. For ICTs give access to information. This information can lead to knowledge. And knowledge is a prerequisite for development. Therefore ICTs are considered to be promising technologies that can be one of the tools to stop the ongoing underdevelopment of Africa. Nevertheless it is also argued in this book that the way to go is long difficult and problematic. Several authors have formulated recommendations which could be helpful to walk this complicated path towards an information society in Africa. «