The contribution of mobile telecommunication technology to sustainable development in selected countries in Africa

Abstract

While most of the world's population resides in countries that are wealthy or developing, the rest reside in low-income and least developed countries (LDCs), left behind and growing more disconnected. At the same time, mobile phones are widely adopted in these underdeveloped areas and demonstrate potential for economic development. However, technological innovation and policies have often addressed narrow dimensions of poverty and development. Sustainable development, on the other hand, assesses the welfare of a country in its entirety. This then begs the question of how mobile telephony technology, given its pervasiveness, can be beneficial on a systemic and sustainable level. This document presents evidence that mobile phones can contribute to sustainable development in several ways. The focus is on selected countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria, each of which is categorized as a LDC. The Sustainable Development framework is used to analyze data from case studies and existing technology, institutional and policy trends in the mobile telecommunication industry. The evidence from literature demonstrates that mobile initiatives focused on niche areas, such as banking and health, have benefited on the community level and improved operations within firms. Mobile industry policies have created a healthy system of innovation in these countries. However, environmental development has been secondary or even ignored. Thus, the recommendations focus on prioritizing sustainability, specific policies continuing diffusion and adoption, technology transfer mechanisms, increased robustness in data-tracking and countering external economic shocks. The data presented is not meant to be comprehensive nor complete. Consequently, suggested future work addresses short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies. Specific areas include examining causal linkages for mobile phone adoption, designing technology initiatives around sustainability goals, and drivers that facilitate technology transfer. Mobile telecommunication technology offers real opportunities for development and growth in Africa. If the focus of development shifts from mere economic growth to sustainable development, countries can not only transform their economic fortunes but also enhance the quality of their environment.