How can Internet governance help Africa overcome Internet connectivity challenges?

How can Internet governance help Africa, especially sub-saharan Africa, overcome Internet connectivity challenges?

That was the kick-start of an interesting discussion started by the participants of the Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme - IGCBP 2010 Group ACP Africa B.

Since the exchange was held in a private space in a learning context, here goes a short synthesis of the many points raised:

The Nigeria case was used as an illustration of a country where lack of electricity can render most of campuses incommunicado when students and lecturers cannot access the Internet.

Considering the power of the networking tools to drive sharing of resources and research for the development of education in Africa, the question was made on how Internet governance can help the African connectivity challenge.

As the forum thread developed with the engagement of different points of view, it was stressed that action is expected to come from the local government and regulatory authorities, who can get leverage from civil society groups working towards progress.

In this context, the IGF was seen as a platform to get information, share experiences, learn from each other and seek ways to get governments and their regulatory agencies to begin to understand better the issues involved and implement policies for sustainable development.

Although the focus of this discussion thread was on Internet connectivity, participants also reminded the group of challenges related to security, openness and privacy, which are real threats for the development of the Internet in the African region.

Another perspective was brought by a participant who questioned what would an uneducated, illiterate person would be doing online. This participant pointed out that education and literacy widen the horizons and make us not simply passive consumers but also active contributors of content. The contente on the Internet must be relevant to people to provide reasons of engagement.

The same participant reported a discussion recently held with Google Africa on how to increase the number of Internet users and the diverse range of issues, starting with education and infrastructure. It was pointed out that mobile technology and citizen services might be a way to consider on this important discussion.

Emmanuel Edet is the tutor for the IGCBP 2010 ACP Africa B group and can be contacted here.