Introduction to the discussion from June 19 to July 9

Introduction to the discussion from June 19 to July 9

Africa and the information economy

Dear list participants,

This week marks the start of our discussion of what we think will be one of the most important themes of the ADF. We think that it will be important because it is an area that has not received much consideration by economists in Africa, or by government planners and decision makers, but which given its importance in the world economy, certainly merits serious thinking. I am posting some questions from Catherine Nyaki Adeya of the Institute for New Technologies, United Nations University, Maastrict. Nyaki is working with ECA on the policy position paper for ADF '99. Your replies and comments will do a lot to guide our work in this area. (Nyaki@intech.unu.edu) __________________ Nyaki writes: 1.What are the implications of the Information Economy for Africa? 2.a)What potential is there for Africa to participate in the Information Economy? b)What about the potential for African Firms/SMEs in the information economy. 3.What policy changes/new policies are required for Africa’s participation (again, the question of the necessary enabling environment to encourage information economy development) 4.Which sectors are conducive for African employment and job creation i.e. the special niches for Africa in the global information economy. 5.The constraints/ social costs and dangers that may prevent this development? 6.What is the potential for electronic commerce (ecommerce)in Africa? Can list members give some examples of African ecommerce? 7.Examples of African countries/firms on-track for competing/participating in the information economy.

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