Bridging the digital divide: with special reference to Nigeria

Abstract

This paper describes the digital divide in Africa with special reference to Nigeria. It presents the causes of digital divided such as; the general poor economic conditions in Africa; local content; telecommunications constraints; lack of investment in ICT infrastructure, etc. Benefits derivable from bridging the digital divide such as making large regional, national and even global markets accessible to small enterprises; and increase the reach and efficiency of the delivery of government and social services among others were highlighted. Key features of the Nigerian government, development agencies and institutional initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divided were presented.

Keywords: Digital divide, ICTs; Africa; Nigeria, Initiatives