The opportunities presented by the internet in Africa are rife, and the continent needs to tap into them, says James Wekesa, chief commercial officer of undersea cable operator WIOCC.
Presenting at the Broadband Forum, in Harare, today Wekesa considered the multiplicity of functions that the internet could be used for in Africa, arguing that by properly utilising internet the continent’s economies would be boosted.
“The power of broadband, telephony and telecoms will expand the middle income and this will drive the economy,” explained Wekesa.
“The capabilities and opportunities are there,” he went on, “We just need to tap into them.”
“With the opportunities that it brings, the internet will take everyone,” he added.
Of note, Wekesa considered a number of functions of the internet which he believes hold particular opportunities for Africa, such as e-Learning, e-Government, and e-Tourism.
He also touched upon the development of e-Justice in Africa, as currently being attempted in Kenya, with new President Uhuru Kenyatta petitioning the International Criminal Court to be able to stand trial via video link.
Further, Wekesa highlighted the internet’s potential for boosting research, farming and even the medical sector in Africa – considering video-link surgery for example, and online access to medical professionals – as a way to improve rural health care services.
“No one is going to come to Africa to reinvent the wheel,” said Wekesa, adding that this is why it is important for industry players to focus on the potential innovations in uses of the internet, and to implement the opportunities offered by the 41 Tbps of internet which he says is available across Africa.
