Baroness Chalker is optimistic about the future of Africa despite the enormous challenges she acknowledges are facing the continent, and sees a pivotal role for ICT business.
Chalker, World Bank advisor and former UK minister for Africa and overseas development, told delegates at this week's SAP user group conference at Sun City that Africa had turned an important corner in the past two years.
Chalker balanced the fierce competition for foreign investment, water shortages, the cost of disease, and the problem of corruption in Africa by recognising the steady cessation of conflict, the World Trade Organisation's efforts to find a fair system for international trade, Africa's presence on the international agenda, the emergence of new leaders committed to stability, and the focusing effect the Nepad initiative is having on disparate activities aimed at achieving success in Africa.
"The next few years will be critical," she said, pointing out that capacity building was one of the most important things that needed to happen in Africa where a lack of management capacity was a major inhibitor to growth and development. "ICT is essential to building capacity." Chalker said ICT could enable Africa to unleash much of the continent's potential.
Chalker said simple technologies could be used to ensure the proper collection of revenues needed for development. She cautioned business against introducing new technologically based systems of production in Africa without thinking through the impact of such systems on people. Chalker also encouraged business to help build capacity in Africa by sponsoring education and seconding personnel to train future African trainers, who in turn would be able to help build capacity.
"ICT training is key to the World Bank's work in Africa," said Chalker, and explained that business had a role to play by offering partnerships to their African counterparts. "Through partnership with skilled mentors," she concluded, "Africa will create a future for new generations."
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