[e-drug] Internet access still a nightmare in Africa

["A. Odutola" <chpss_abo@yahoo.com>]

E-drug: Internet access still a nightmare in Africa
---------------------------------------------

[Crossposted from Afro-nets with thanks.  The article is reproduced 
here in the interests of e-druggers who can't access websites. BS]

The resource below provides some valuable data and short commentaries
on comparative prevalence of the Internet in Africa, rural-urban 
divide, usage pattern, cost, obstacles and policy implications for 
development in the region. Recommended read.

* Internet access still a nightmare in Africa.
   Malawihere.com. 01/07/03
   http://www.dispatch.co.zm/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=180

A. Odutola
mailto:chpss_abo@yahoo.com

The usage of Internet which has been described by many people as the 
possible engine for economic growth is still a 'mountain to climb' in 
many African countries. Tovin Ngombe writes that though Africa is 
becoming increasingly connected, access to the Internet remains on a 
limited pace. According to a report published by Africa Online, of 
the 770 million people in Africa, one in every 150, or approximately 
5.5 million people in total, now uses the Internet.  The report 
indicates that there is roughly one Internet user for every 200 
people, compared to a world average of one user for every 15 people, 
and a North American and European average of about one in every 2 
people.  The study also estimates that each computer with an Internet 
or email connection in Africa usually supports a range of three to 
five users.

The number of dial-up Internet subscribers on the continents now 
stands at over 1.3 million, up from around 1 million at the end of 
2000. Of these, North Africa is responsible for about 280,000 
subscribers, while South Africa accounts for 750,000.

The average total cost of using a local dial-up Internet account for 
20 hours a month is around USD68 per month. This includes usage fees 
and local telephone time, but not telephone line rental. ISP 
subscription charges vary between USD10 and USD100 per month.

According to the report that was compiled by independent Internet and 
telecoms consultant, Mike Jensen the Internet is available in all 54 
countries and territories in Africa.  However, irregular or 
non-existent electricity supply is a major barrier to use of the 
Internet, especially outside the major towns and cities.  Despite 
entering in the New Year, the widespread penetration of the Internet 
in Africa is still largely confined to the major cities, where only a 
minority of the total population lives.

Most African capitals now have more than one ISP, and in early 2001, 
there were about 575 public ISPs across the region.

In Zambia, there are now about five Internet Service providers, which 
includes Zamnet, Microlink, Coppernet, Uunet, and Zambia 
Telecommunication Service (ZAMTEL) which government owned.  A survey 
by the Dispatch conducted in Lusaka indicates that most people go to 
Internet cafes to check for their emails unlike surfing the Internet 
to conduct research. 

Usage of the Internet is still considered as a privilege for a few 
individuals and most people have never used it.   Most people talked 
to say they have heard about it while others say they are ignorant 
about its usage.

The prevailing high levels of poverty in Zambia, a trend that has 
spilled over into 2003 is among the reasons hindering people to use 
the internet for sustainable development. Most people prefer to spend 
their hard earned cash on buying food to fill their stomachs as 
opposite to surfing the Internet.
In a country where government has no policy on the use of Information 
Communication Technology (ICT), the opinion leaders see no need to 
entice and educate people on the need to use the internet and indeed 
to make the full use of computers. Some people who have computers 
just keep them for prestige rather than enhancing it for the benefit 
of improving their economic aspect of business.
The cost of computers is another factor that is still a major issue, 
as government has never taken an initiative to reduce duty on this 
important asset that accelerates the connection to the Internet. Most 
politicians and the Mawanasawasa regime are concentrating on 
improving agriculture, fighting corruption, diversifying the economy 
but they are forgetting that ICT usage could help to double the 
effort of achieving economic development that most people require.

The challenge that Zambians are facing is that most politicians who 
speak on their behalf are ignorant about the Internet usage if they 
are aware, they have just known it by virtue of being elected as 
members of parliament (MP).
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