Capacity building

The key challenge however for most developing countries will be the resources and capacity to implement such policies. More important than the shortage of financial capital is that of human capital deficit. Multiple layers of skills development are required, starting with the need for more maths and science scholars, increased numbers of engineers and scientists, to the more nuanced requirements of the sector such as regulatory and policy formulation capacity. This relates to the critical elements of research and innovation if ICT is to fulfil its development potential on the continent.

A new approach to building an information society is required. Rather than focusing exclusively on infrastructure alone countries needs to focus far more on the human aspects of affordable access, such as ensuring that citizens have the skills to use enhanced services in order to be more effective in the network economy and information society.