1. Will digital technology help Africa meet its MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL targets?  Studying the MDGs  Technology’s role in the development process

2. THE DEVELOPMENT GAP Information & communications technology (ICT) is a key driver of globalisation Along with other factors and forces, such as multi-governmental organisations and TNCs, ICT helps build connectivity between places Optimists see a strong link between the availability of ICT and economic and social development Optimists believe ICT can help bridge the development gap

3. THE MDG TARGETS

4. AFRICA’S PROGRESS Progress towards MDG targets has been uneven Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa remains at 50% (the same as in 1981) Many urban Africans live in very poor conditions, such as those seen in the Kibera slum (Nairobi, Kenya)

5. TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT Digital technology can help deliver economic and social development One Laptop per Child project has brought ICT to poor schools Over 40% of Africans have a mobile phone. This is helping businesses to grow and also helps farmers get better deals Innovation – such as pedal- powered recharging – is bringing real changes

6. TECHNOLOGY TRENDS (1) Mobile phone ownership has grown rapidly on a global scale Since 2004, mobile ownership in African countries has tripled This is an example of a leapfrogging technology (landlines have never been introduced to some regions where mobile use in now widespread)

7. FIBRE OPTIC CABLE Until recently, East Africa lacked broadband Now, a new 10,625-mile undersea cable has been laid by Seacom The new fibre optic cable links South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda with London, Marseille and Mumbai

8. Kenya’s vision for the future Kenya’s government has a new plan It’s called the Malili project The blueprint shows a 5,000-acre African technopolis But will it ever become a reality?

9. THE GLOBAL DIGITAL DIVIDE Photograph and image credits: KIKUYUMOJA, MUSICFIEND, WHITE AFRICAN (all available under Flickr or Wiki creative commons license)