Research and innovation

At present, research in the field of ICT and development in Africa is limited, fragmented and typically undertaken as isolated and disconnected projects. Most of the understanding of the information age comes from the theory and experiences gained in the developed world. Africa produces little in the way of independent, primary research feeding into the ICT policy and regulatory processes. Unlike other parts of the world committed to participatory policy formulation processes, there are few independent local agencies contributing to public policy processes in the broader public interest on the basis of rigorous applied research. Strengthening African institutional capacity for research, analysis and debate in developing countries is an indispensable element in the construction of knowledge societies. In the absence of innovative organic policies, international models become the default development strategies for developing countries, with serious consequences for nations.