REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF INTERNET IN AFRICA

"The Internet can catalyze growth and socio-economic development in Africa"

"The impact of the Internet in Africa: creating the conditions for success and catalyze inclusive growth in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Nigeria," is the theme of the report by Google Africa, presented yesterday in Dakar at a conference of restitution.

The firm Strategic Studies and Research Dalberg Global Development Advisors led, with the support of Google Africa, one of the first studies on the impact and potential contribution of the Internet on economic and social development of many countries 'Sub-Saharan Africa. It is based on a survey of more than 1,300 companies, including nearly 1,000 SMEs, and interviews with experts in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Nigeria. Commenting on the report, Tidjane Deme, Director of Google Francophone Africa indicated that the initial findings is that the Internet is potential for Africa is confirmed by all parties and all the studies. "The Internet can be an extremely important and positive impact on the economy of our African countries, growth, employment, good governance, health. Senegal, in the field of agriculture, there are very few operational projects that helped give farmers and fishermen practical information and improve their work, "says Deme. The report also stresses that the rulers, authorities, the private sector must implement a number of policies to benefit from the positive impact of the Internet on the economy. It identifies specific issues for some countries like Senegal, where, according Tidjane Deme, the recommendation is that "we need to improve Internet access in the direction of making it less expensive especially for SME and we need to develop our infrastructure and improve regulation of the sector. " Another finding of the report, says Deme is that "80% of CEOs surveyed believe the Internet can improve their operations. But at the same time 70% do not use the Internet. " For him, giving easier access to the Internet for SME, there is an opportunity for Senegal to improve its economy, create more jobs, grow businesses. But the findings of the report, says the director of Google Francophone Africa is that many projects remain in pilot phases, education, health. It is time, he said, to go beyond the pilot phase and make any operational this. According to him, so that the impact of the Internet can be felt in the area of ​​health, the state must put in place data exchange standards in the field of health and invest very aggressively into the health information system at the national level. In the field of education, we have to go into real initiatives nationwide internet and inclusion of ICT in education strategies.

HAROUNA FALL