Bridging the digital divide will help shield Africa from external shocks

Two years on, while much is yet to be done, there is good progress, the rate of penetration has doubled from about 20 per cent to over 40 per cent with the unprecedented growth in mobile telecommunication over the last decade and a half, a silent revolution is under way.

There is similar progress with regard to broadband networks and the deployment of the national backbone including the cross-border links.

Two new submarine cable systems: SEACOM and TEAMs have landed on the East coast of Africa, with three more expected to be completed within the coming two years in different parts of Africa.

With the advent of these cables, user prices should start decreasing by up 10 times from July 2010. In terms of applications, ICTs have not only continued to improve the business environment, market development, as well as reducing business costs.

Alongside has come innovation combining state of the art technology with local customs; increased use of mobile banking in many countries, bringing together farmers and buyers, education access and modernisation of Government.

Dr Kaberuka is the president, African Development Bank Group.