Digital Development in East Africa: The Distribution, Diffusion, and Governance of Information Technology

This book examines the outcomes of four East African nations that implemented formal Information and Communications Technology policies in the 1990s through a comparative case study methodology and extensive field work. It assesses the emergence of a new policy and technological arena, the politics of infrastructure, and the impact of war or peace on technological outcomes. It provides valuable new data on how policy and politics function in emerging democracies and illuminates opportunities for the distribution of new technologies in other developing countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book employs a comprehensive comparative case study methodology and extensive fieldwork to investigate and compare the outcomes of four East African nations (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) that implemented formal Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policies in the 1990s. Through extensive fieldwork, the book assesses the emergence of a new policy and technological arena from the turn of the millennium to the present. In addition to tracing the implementation and reception of these policies, Bowman delves into the extent to which the politics of infrastructure in these four interconnected but distinct African nations have facilitated global participation and equitable distribution of infrastructure to all citizens, as well as the impact of a recent history of war or peace on the technological outcomes in these communities. The book offers valuable insights into how policy and politics operate in emerging democracies, shedding light on long-overlooked opportunities and conditions necessary for the distribution of new and potentially beneficial technologies in other developing countries.

Introduction:
The adoption of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) policies in the 1990s has had a profound impact on the development of East African nations. These policies aimed to promote the use of technology in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and government services. This book aims to examine and compare the outcomes of these policies in four East African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Methodology:
The book employs a comprehensive comparative case study methodology. This methodology involves conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, such as government officials, policy makers, industry experts, and community members. The interviews were conducted in English and French, depending on the language spoken in each country. The data collected was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods, including content analysis and statistical analysis.

Findings:
The book finds that the implementation of ICT policies in the 1990s has had a positive impact on the development of East African nations. The adoption of technology has led to increased access to education, healthcare, and government services. For example, in Kenya, the introduction of mobile banking services has enabled millions of people to access financial services, particularly in rural areas. In Tanzania, the use of e-learning platforms has increased access to education, particularly for students in remote areas.

However, the book also highlights some challenges that have arisen in the implementation of ICT policies. One of the challenges is the lack of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. This has led to limited access to technology and has hindered the development of digital economies. Another challenge is the lack of skilled human resources, particularly in the field of ICT. This has led to a skills gap and has hindered the growth of the ICT industry.

Conclusion:
The book concludes that the implementation of ICT policies in the 1990s has had a positive impact on the development of East African nations. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of infrastructure and skilled human resources. The book recommends that governments invest in infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas, and that they prioritize the training and development of skilled human resources in the ICT industry. The book also suggests that the private sector should play a role in promoting the adoption of technology and in providing training and employment opportunities for young people.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031221613
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023