Paper/Proposal Title
Leveraging the Power of the Internet to Enhance Development and Overcome Poverty in Africa
Location
Kennedy Union 207 (on UD's main campus)
Start Date
11-4-2023 12:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2023 12:00 AM
Keywords
Development, Internet, Trade, Economic Growth in Africa, Africa
Abstract
This paper explores the internet’s transformative potential in combating poverty in Africa and enhancing development by enabling the exchange of goods and services. The paper aims to demonstrate how new technologies empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities to surpass historical limitations and drive economic growth within and beyond the continent. The study focuses on a few key areas. First, it examines the impact of enhanced digital connectivity and access on economic opportunities and poverty reduction in Africa, including initiatives to promote digital literacy. Second, it investigates e-commerce platforms' growth and capacity to connect African entrepreneurs and businesses with regional and global markets. Third, the paper evaluates the importance of digital skills in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, considering initiatives to enhance digital literacy and empower individuals to utilize online platforms for income generation. Lastly, it investigates the potential of the internet to facilitate cross-border trade and collaboration among African countries, examining the impact of digital platforms on regional integration, trade facilitation, and overall economic growth. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of these areas, the study provides insights and recommendations for policymakers, international organizations, and stakeholders interested in harnessing the power of the internet to transform Africa's development. The paper emphasizes the imperative of embracing new technologies and the digital revolution to unlock Africa’s vast potential, foster inclusive economic growth, and create a prosperous future for its people.
Author/Speaker Biographical Statement(s)
Bernard Ngalim is a third-year doctoral student at the Human Rights Center of the University of the Free State in South Africa. Bernard focuses on protecting human and environmental advocates, particularly in Africa, where partners face surveillance, data breaches, and information insecurity. Over the years, Bernard has helped partners comply with information governance, security and data privacy regulations, standards, and legal frameworks. Over the last years, Bernard has managed projects in non-profit organizations in Cameroon and the United States and worked with partners across Africa. Bernard focuses his research on the effects of business on the environmental and human rights situation in Africa.
Leveraging the Power of the Internet to Enhance Development and Overcome Poverty in Africa
Kennedy Union 207 (on UD's main campus)
This paper explores the internet’s transformative potential in combating poverty in Africa and enhancing development by enabling the exchange of goods and services. The paper aims to demonstrate how new technologies empower individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities to surpass historical limitations and drive economic growth within and beyond the continent. The study focuses on a few key areas. First, it examines the impact of enhanced digital connectivity and access on economic opportunities and poverty reduction in Africa, including initiatives to promote digital literacy. Second, it investigates e-commerce platforms' growth and capacity to connect African entrepreneurs and businesses with regional and global markets. Third, the paper evaluates the importance of digital skills in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, considering initiatives to enhance digital literacy and empower individuals to utilize online platforms for income generation. Lastly, it investigates the potential of the internet to facilitate cross-border trade and collaboration among African countries, examining the impact of digital platforms on regional integration, trade facilitation, and overall economic growth. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of these areas, the study provides insights and recommendations for policymakers, international organizations, and stakeholders interested in harnessing the power of the internet to transform Africa's development. The paper emphasizes the imperative of embracing new technologies and the digital revolution to unlock Africa’s vast potential, foster inclusive economic growth, and create a prosperous future for its people.
