Problems of information technology diffusion in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana

Abstract

In the modern information economy, information technology diffusion is credited with the significant increase in economic development experienced in many parts of the world except, perhaps, sub-Saharan Africa. This paper discusses the problems associated with information technology (IT) diffusion in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from unstable and erratic power supply and unreliable telecommunications to inadequate computing resources, and most significantly, to the lack of human and financial resources to tackle the challenges. Empirical data obtained through a survey questionnaire are analyzed to illustrate the extent of the problems in the case of Ghana. The paper concludes with discussion of possible strategies for tackling these problems.

Mina Baliamoune is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.

Keywords:

• information technology diffusion
• information economy
• economic development
• human resources
• electrical power
• and telecommunications

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful to Abeka Nkrumah for his assistance in administering the questionnaire and to all those IT executives who completed the lengthy questionnaire, to the reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions on earlier versions of the paper, and to Ewurama Ewusi-Mensah for her editorial assistance.

Notes

Mina Baliamoune is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.