Africa’s digital future
Africa’s digital future

Author: Ali Parry

Publisher: AOSIS

Published: 2021-12-31

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 1776341694

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The main thrust of this book is to examine whether Africa is in a position to benefit from the digital age, given the continent’s many development challenges and slow adoption of digital technologies. While there is substantial literature on the digital economy and the quickening pace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), comparatively little research has been conducted on what the digital age means for Africa. This book aims to close this research gap by using various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to arrive at a cross-section of original findings and perspectives on how Africa can capitalise on the benefits of digital developments, including their potential to create jobs and bring about more inclusive growth. The book’s main contribution is its coverage of a range of topics that will affect Africa’s digital future, including industrialisation, global value chains, transport and logistics, trade facilitation, labour-market dynamics, employment and education. The theme of digital trade forms a backdrop to many of the chapters, along with references to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book acknowledges that although African countries should learn from international best practices, they need to chart their own course according to their own particular circumstances. By adopting a digital mindset, countries should be able to diversify economically and extend their market reach across the continent. Furthermore, while Africa should be looking to the future and determining how digital technologies can become effective tools of sustainable development, the continent has much catching up to do.

Digital developments and employment
Digital developments and employment

Author: Wilma Viviers

Publisher: AOSIS

Published: 2024-07-31

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 1779953194

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

There is broad consensus in the literature that job creation and productive employment are critical for building a vibrant, inclusive economy. The digital era has the potential to expand employment by creating new professional pathways and market opportunities, particularly in Africa, which has high levels of unemployment and considerable room for enhanced economic activity. However, advancing digital technologies also pose risks and concerns – notably that machines will increasingly take over the jobs of humans. The effects of digital developments on employment therefore warrant thorough investigation. This book delves into the effects of digital developments on employment in Africa, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. An important premise in the book is that employment is a leading determinant of inclusive growth, which has become a policy imperative across the continent. Despite a wide range of views on digital developments and employment, there is no well-established, empirically determined relationship between these two phenomena in Africa, which makes policy-making difficult. The book addresses this research gap, giving specific attention to the fact that African countries are far from homogeneous, evidenced by their highly diverse economic activities and varying levels of development. The book is essential reading for scholars in the development economics discipline who have an interest in policy studies and in gaining a holistic appreciation of the employment effects of digital developments in Africa. Such insights will go a long way towards shaping countries’ economic and digital policies and putting the continent onto a steadier path towards its digital future.

Technological Leapfrogging and Innovation in Africa
Technological Leapfrogging and Innovation in Africa

Author: Ethné Swartz

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2023-10-06

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1800370393

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Offering invaluable insights into technologically-driven change in Africa, this incisive book envisions myriad positive economic changes brought about by new technologies and innovations. Rooted in original research from contributors who have worked and taught in Africa, it encapsulates developments and breakthroughs throughout the continent.

Digital Economy. Emerging Technologies and Business Innovation
Digital Economy. Emerging Technologies and Business Innovation

Author: Rim Jallouli

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-09-16

Total Pages: 443

ISBN-13: 3031427882

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Digital Economy, ICDEc 2023, which took place in Braga, Portugal, in May 2023. The 26 full papers included in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 72 submissions. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Digital transformation; e-learning and digital competencies; digital marketing and artificial intelligence; e-finance and digital assets; digital marketing and data analytics; digital economy; online session.

E-Governance in Africa, from Theory to Action
E-Governance in Africa, from Theory to Action

Author: Gianluca Misuraca

Publisher: IDRC

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1552503690

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) into governance processes can greatly enhance the delivery of public services to all citizens. ICT integration will not only improve the performance of governance systems, it will also transform relationships amongst stakeholders, thereby influencing policymaking processes and regulatory frameworks. In the developing world, however, the potential of ICTs for effective governance remains largely unexplored and unexploited. This book presents the context, theory, and current thinking on the interaction between ICTs and local governance, particularly in Africa. It discusses the shift from OC governmentOCO to OC e-governance, OCO describes the role of local-level authorities, and presents the benefits and limitations of introducing ICTs in government operations. Case studies from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda describe local governance/ICTs projects executed by civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government authorities. Drawing from the findings in these case studies and from the introductory research and original conceptual framework, the book presents a series of conclusions and recommendation on the future of effective ICTs use for better governance and improved economic development at the local level. This book will be of interest to professionals, practitioners, and policy advisors at local and national government levels in developing countries (particularly in Africa); international organizations staff, bilateral aid agencies, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector; researchers, academics, students, and professors of public administration and governance in Africa and throughout the world."

Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa
Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa

Author: Amoah, Lloyd G. Adu

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-02-23

Total Pages: 390

ISBN-13: 1668499673

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

There are essential questions surrounding Africa's digitalization journey, including whether or not the continent can truly serve as the last frontier for socio-economic transformation through digital innovation. An examination of countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and Rwanda, which are actively pursuing digitalization, may provide some answers. To evaluate the potential implications, both real and potential, that arise from this focused pursuit, a critical analysis is necessary. Scrutiny of digital infrastructure by companies like Huawei, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and the advent of quantum computing will open new pathways to understanding and establishing promising approaches to the advancement of this region. Examining the Rapid Advance of Digital Technology in Africa offers a comprehensive exploration of the transformative power of digitalization in Africa and its implications for the continent's socio-economic development. It engages with the field of science and technology studies, linking it with socio-economic impacts and transformation, to track, analyze, understand, and critique Africa's contributions to digitalization. The chapters cover a wide range of themes, including ICTs and the business environment, education, healthcare, creative industries, media, culture, tourism, agriculture, ecology, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency revolution, algorithmic governance, the quantum age, and urbanization. This book is a must-read for researchers, scholars, investors, and policymakers who are interested in Africa's digital transformation, as it offers valuable insights into the latest empirical and theoretical aspects shaping the continent's ongoing digitalization.

African Media and the Digital Public Sphere
African Media and the Digital Public Sphere

Author: O. Mudhai

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2009-05-25

Total Pages: 269

ISBN-13: 0230621759

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book examines the claims that new information and communication technologies (ICTs) are catalysts of democratic change in Africa. It takes optimist, pragmatist-realist and pessimist stances on various political actors and institutions, from government units and political parties to civil society organizations and minority groups.