Data Response

I have read the article ‘Women and information technology in Sub-Saharan Africa’ by Dr Mayuri Odra-Syraub.

■ Dr Odedra cites a number of infrastructural reasons for the lack of effective ICT. For example, a reliable power supply to operate the computers, a well-functioning telephone network to transmit data, foreign currency to import the technology, and computer-literate personnel.

■ … is identified as the most pressing need for Africa in terms of ICT.

■ The computer-aid projects have been mostly unsuccessful.

■ They have failed because of the lack of secondary equipment, suitable electric power, or training.

■ A number of computer skills are identified as lacking, for example systems analysis, programming, maintenance and consulting, and at all operational levels from basic use to management.

■ Also the lack of business skills are identified as a major problem. These include the lack of long-term business plans in many organizations, business aptitudes and business practices.