It’s no secret that the African continent has not kept pace with technological advancements. This technology gap contributes to the increasing economic deterioration and ongoing poverty within developing nations in Africa such as Tanzania, whose GDP relies heavily (85%) on agriculture and natural resources.
Computers don’t clothe, don’t cure, and don’t feed. But they have contributed to the economic success in developing nations in Asia such as China and India where they have literally and figuratively laid down the information and communication technologies (ICT) market by investing in ICT infrastructure and educating its citizens in the technologies.
If Africa hopes to attract foreign businesses and compete in the global marketplace it must follow the path paved by the emerging markets in Asia and first gain access to the technologies and then be trained in its practical usage.
Currently projections from the United Nations indicate that despite the push to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the number of poor in Sub-Saharan Africa is still rising from 227 million in 1990 to 303 million in 2002. In contrast, the number of poor is falling in developing nations such as China and India where there has been substantial investment ICT from its government and abroad.
While still a member of the East African Community, Tanzania was keeping up with R&D. But since it’s collapse in 1977, the government has not been able to form a cohesive plan and has suffered dearly in terms of economic growth for its constituents. It is therefore not surprising that the latest research shows that Tanzania technological capabilities rank last of all the Sub-Saharan countries in Africa. Therefore, in its pilot stage, the Operation Tech Start will be focusing on Tanzania, the most ICT at-risk nation.
To boost the economies in developing African nations such as Tanzania, there will need to be a measurable improvement in ICT access, education and practical application of science and technology. Will more computers make a difference? Will an ICT education help alleviate poverty? How can a technology-advanced infrastructure (i.e. internet access) change the lives in impoverished communities? How long would it take to implement a plan for sustainable growth?
Learn what Operation Tech Start plans to do about the digital divide
