Unleashing Africa's InfoTech Potential
Internet telephony executive Daniel Berninger thinks information technology has the potential to transform Africa's modern economy -- and earlier this week shared his vision with a group of Washington tech policy watchers and President Barack Obama's Africa policy adviser, Witney Schneidman. "Although Africa remains last among world regions in estimated Internet penetration, it also features a growth rate of 1,000 percent between 2000 and 2008," Schneidman noted at the Wednesday event hosted by Qorvis Communications.
The benefits of increased Internet access have been bolstered by unprecedented adoption of cellular technology in Africa -- more than 20 percent growth annually, speakers said. The resulting economic turnaround on the continent has led policymakers from around the world to consider the potential computer and networking industry holds to develop the economy among the 53 African nations. "Trade, not aid, is the key to bringing Africa into the global economy, and infotech is the enabler," Qorvis partner Maura Corbett said.
Vijay Mahajan, author, Africa Rising and The 86% Solution, and James Moore, chairman of the Geopartners Foundation, also took part in the conversation. Click here to watch a video of the forum.
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