ICT in Africa: Enabling a Better Life for All

Information and communication technology (ICT), encompassing modern technology that is used to aid the electronic capture, processing, storage and dissemination of information, whether in numerical, textual, audio or visual format, is an important driver for social and economic development, global participation and competitiveness, and ultimately growth. With a population of more than 1 billion people Africa represents a significant portion of the world population and ICT is a vital tool to release the creative potential and knowledge embedded in her people. In spite of great strides in terms of socio-economic development, the African continent continues to lag economically advanced nations in its research on the developmental impact of ICT. Whilst African countries are enthusiastically embracing ICT for socio-economic development, mainstream information systems (IS) research remains focused on the issues related to ICT in developed, mature economies in North America and Europe (Roztocki & Weistroffer, 2008). Increasing our understanding of the possibilities and limitations of ICT and how to promote its adoption and use in Africa to the benefit her people is of vital interest to researchers and practitioners alike. This special issue is about how ICTs are affecting and effecting development in Africa. The situation in Africa is unique in that she has some of the fastest growing countries in the world and at the same time, some of the poorest people living in it. Innovations in ICTs have meant that Africa is leading the world in mobile money and in some countries penetration of mobile phones is above 100%. This special issue on ICT in Africa explores whether ICTs can enable better lives for people in Africa and, if so, how and in what ways. This editorial comprises five sections. In section 1 we provide an overview on the state of ICTs on the African continent. Second, we examine the role of ICT with respect to development. In Section 3 we discuss the