Anita Akpeere’s thriving food business in Accra, Ghana, is a testament to the transformative power of smartphones in regions with developing infrastructure. She relies heavily on her mobile device to receive orders and manage her entrepreneurial ventures, especially her popular traditional meals. Her reliance on technology reflects a widespread trend across sub-Saharan Africa, where mobile phones often deliver services and opportunities otherwise inaccessible to a large population.
Despite the technological advancements, only a quarter of adults in sub-Saharan Africa leverage mobile internet, primarily due to high costs and low literacy levels. The most affordable smartphones can command prices near the full monthly earnings for many, rendering them out of reach for the region’s poorest individuals. Additionally, the challenge of navigating devices in one of the continent’s 2,000 languages further deters widespread adoption.
Enterprising companies like Uniti Networks are stepping in to alleviate these barriers by providing affordable financing options for smartphones and personalized coaching on app use. For example, Cyril Fianyo, a 64-year-old farmer, benefitted from being introduced to agriculture apps that aid his farming methods, providing him with valuable information he previously lacked.
The network’s expansion goals are ambitious, aiming to connect 100,000 users within five years. Across Ghana, where Uniti Networks has launched, community members are beginning to see the immediate benefits of app-based resources in areas ranging from health management to farming practices.
However, alongside these opportunities, professor Jenny Aker raises concerns over data privacy and calls for caution amidst the push for digitalization, particularly with the impending advent of digital IDs in Africa. While acknowledging risks, including data breaches, Uniti Networks insists that it emphasizes impactful applications and safeguards user information with decentralized storage measures.
As the story unfolds in Ghana’s countryside, the sight of smartphones like Fianyo’s captures the curiosity of neighbours, promising a future where technology plays an integral role in overcoming economic and educational hurdles.
Relevant Facts:
– As of 2021, Ghana had a mobile penetration rate of over 140%, indicating more mobile connections than people. This showcases the significant potential for mobile technology use amongst the population.
– Mobile technology can help bridge the digital divide by providing access to financial services. In Ghana, mobile money services such as MTN Mobile Money are widespread, offering an alternative to traditional banking which can be inaccessible or non-existent in rural areas.
– Smartphones are increasingly becoming important tools for education in Ghana. Various educational apps and services are accessible on mobile phones, allowing students and adults to learn and improve skills from anywhere.
– Ghana has been working towards improving internet connectivity, with the government rolling out initiatives to expand broadband infrastructure. The expansion of 4G LTE networks across the country is also enabling faster and more reliable mobile internet access.
Key Questions and Answers:
– How is mobile technology particularly suited to bridging the digital divide in regions like Ghana? Mobile technology is often more readily available, easier to deploy, and less costly than setting up traditional wired internet infrastructure, especially in rural or underserved areas. This makes it an effective tool for increasing digital access.
– What are the major challenges associated with mobile technology adoption in Ghana? Challenges include the high cost of smartphones, limited digital literacy, and the need for local language support in devices and apps.
Key Challenges/Controversies:
– Affordability remains a significant barrier, especially among lower-income groups for whom the cost of a smartphone could represent a substantial portion of their monthly income.
– Digital literacy is another hurdle; many people lack the basic skills to use smartphones and navigate the internet, which diminishes their ability to take advantage of mobile technology.
– Language barriers and the need for localized content are essential factors for increasing smartphone adoption and usage in areas like Ghana where many languages are spoken.
– Data privacy and cybersecurity are major concerns as the adoption of digital technology, including mobile phones, increases personal data vulnerability.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages:
1. Improved Access to Services: Smartphones provide access to numerous services such as banking, education, and healthcare.
2. Entrepreneurial Empowerment: For business owners like Anita Akpeere, mobile technology is a critical tool for business management and growth.
3. Economic Growth: By providing new entrepreneurial opportunities and improved agricultural practices, mobile technology can drive economic growth.
– Disadvantages:
1. Data Privacy Risks: Increased use of mobile technology raises data security and privacy concerns, especially with limited regulatory frameworks.
2. Increased Division: If mobile access and literacy are not equitably addressed, technology can exacerbate inequalities between those with access and those without.
3. Dependency on Technology: Relying extensively on mobile technology can lead to vulnerabilities such as system downtimes or technological obsolescence impacting daily activities.
Attached below are links to similar main domain websites that explore the topic of mobile technology and its impact on developing countries. Be sure to cross-reference these sources for validity:
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
GSMA
The World Bank