Technology has transcended poverty, race and economic conditions to become a driving force in the lives of people across the world. More people around the world now have access to the internet and mobile phones. As technology increases, the socioeconomic effects will improve the lives of impoverished people in Africa.
African children are growing up in a world where social media, mobile technology and online communities are essential to the way they relate, learn and develop. More children and adults in poor, developing African countries now have access to—and have embraced the speed, flexibility and affordability of— rapidly evolving digital technology. Technology has helped transform developing countries and close the gap between the rich and the poor.
Technology provides us with powerful developmental tools that have impacted every aspect of our lives. In developing Africa, technology provides people with tools that can be used to battle the glut of problems facing children, including challenges in education, living conditions, food and healthcare.
Over the last twenty years, mobile telecommunications and the internet have made great leaps forward. These advances in communication have helped poor African children maintain stronger bonds with their working parents despite poverty and harsh economic circumstances. Family members are often separated as the primary earners are forced to live and work in townships in order to earn enough income to support their families. Many people are self-employed small farmers or traders. The lives of poor Africans become better and richer in terms of keeping the family ties intact and ensuring food is on the table.
For small businesses, better access to mobile technology means that they can advertise to a wider audience and they do not have to rely solely on word-of-mouth. Mobile technology also allows clients to contact small businesses with ease—a benefit to businesses and consumers.
Another technological development that can benefit the people of Africa is 3D printing. 3D printing is revolutionizing the traditional approach to production. This new technology encourages efficiency and allows for the easy production of unique products.
There is no doubt that the benefits of technology to many impoverished African people are immense and numerous. The prospect and promise of many new technological developments—mobile phones, the internet, nanotechnology, and genetic modification to name a few—is very exciting, but the effect on sustainable change in the lives of African people has been limited thus far. African children need encouragement to make choices that will allow technology to influence their lives positively—the way it really should.
Technology is a powerful enabler. Help us bridge the digital divide.
By Olugbenga Ojewale
