Towards an african information society in the digital age: prospects and challenges

In this day and age, information communications technology, also known as ICTs, is crucial to a nation’s or even an entire continent’s human and socioeconomic development. Unfortunately, many in the developing world, especially in Africa, are left behind technologically. This paper will explore the theme of digital divide, with a focus on Africa. As the success of a country’s information society is inextricably linked with its public policy and general economic conditions, the paper will examine the major challenges to Africa’s full technological development. At the same time, it will also present Africa’s overall progress in the ICT domain with cases studies from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. Finally, it concludes with several recommended strategies to make a vibrant African information society possible in the near future.