(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: The Internet in Africa – a new assessment A new report from ARTICLE 19, The Right to Communicate: The Internet in Africa, explores the impact the Internet has already had in Africa. It points out that as latecomers in the telecommunications field, African countries […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
The Internet in Africa – a new assessment
A new report from ARTICLE 19, The Right to Communicate: The Internet in
Africa, explores the impact the Internet has already had in Africa. It
points out that as latecomers in the telecommunications field, African
countries are well placed to “leapfrog” stages in technology – some have
already done so. At present, however, many governments are more
interested in maintaining censorship through tight control on the
Internet at all levels.
Although in relative terms the Internet is still in its infancy in
Africa, all but 3 of the 54 countries have some form of access to the
Internet, despite high costs and poor quality phone lines. E-mail and
discussion groups, in particular, have been quickly embraced as powerful
tools for sharing information and ideas and promoting scientific,
cultural, political, social and economic progress.
Andrew Puddephatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19 said:
“The Internet offers a new possibility for Africans to participate fully
in the democratisation process, with civil society at the forefront of
the new technology. It has already revolutionised human rights work in
terms of dramatically lowering costs, making information available at
the touch of a button, and speeding up communications.
“However, there is a danger that the Internet will widen the gap between
those with access to technology and information and those, for example,
who continue to rely on state-run radio for their news and never have
access to a telephone,” he added.
“If the Internet is to fulfil its potential to educate people, improve
economic and social development, and ensure greater social equality and
respect for human rights, then governments must cease trying to control
the information revolution, and help nurture domestic networks and
encourage equal access for all,” concluded Mr. Puddephatt.
Examples in the report of the way in which the Internet is changing
societies are:
· Possibilities to obtain graduate degrees through distance learning;
· Ability to publish and access information in spite of government
censorship;
· Empowering disadvantaged members of society in terms of networking,
information-sharing and even income generation;
· Saving lives by rural hospitals using e-mail to get speedy diagnoses;
· Benefiting humanitarian causes in terms of fundraising, informing the
public about emergencies and involving beneficiaries effectively in
decisionmaking.
Widespread access in Africa is obstructed by poor telecommunications –
obsolete networks with prohibitive price structures – the result of
vested interests in state monopolies. Access for people in rural areas
with poor services is highlighted as a particular issue which
governments must take on board, especially when clarifying the
respective roles of government and private operators.
