The network could be the tool to shrink the digital divide, but could also prove to be a barrier for e-inclusion for the African continent.
This was one of the key issues discussed at the first meeting of the International Advisory Council on Information Society and Development, held near George in the Western Cape this weekend.
To combat the potential of an African nation falling further behind the developed world, a group of high-profile IT professionals and government ministers met with president Thabo Mbeki to discuss tactics involving training, infrastructure and development, to bring SA and the rest of the continent up to speed.
"The network both connects and disconnects," says Professor Manuel Castells of Berkley University. "These double dynamics create a creative, productive sector of the world. Africa is by and large disconnected from these networks. SA is a very modern country in a lot of ways, except that a large percentage of the community is not connected to this creative sector."
The threat of being disconnected from the network was identified as a major stumbling block for Africa, but a clear resolution was not forthcoming from the group. Mark Harris, MD of IBM South Africa, says "the statement that the network could be the tool to transformation, or the barrier, was not fully addressed".
"It`s quite clear that we can leap-frog with serious attention to technology," says Mbeki, who described the conference as "somewhat of a school for us in the South African government".
Carly Fiorina, HP CEO, says she feels the conference was "a very productive meeting from all of the council members` point of view". Fiorina, who actively promotes her own e-inclusion strategy, believes the conference hails an era of "a new form of co-operation between the public and private sector".
"It`s an opportunity for us not only to do well, but also an opportunity for us to do good," she says.
Hasso Plattner, CEO of ERP vendor SAP AG, says: "The intensity and dedication people have shown here is very encouraging. There are a lot of issues, but there is enough talent here to solve these problems."
The president announced the establishment of the Advisory Council in February at the opening of Parliament. The decision to establish the Advisory Council was based on the realisation that information and communications technologies are the key drivers for growth of the economy, as well as for socio-economic upliftment.
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