TOWARDS A DEPENDABLE AND EFFECTIVE IT SOLUTIONS IN

AFRICA

Abstract
Currently, Information Technology (IT) in Africa has been promising in terms of how well it has
helped in enhancing the provisions of solutions to the various social and economic challenges in
Africa. However, there is still a very big gap in the extent to which Information Technology is
adopted in solving the various problems in Africa. This paper is written to establish in detail the
framework that can be employed in promoting the use of Information Technology to solve the
social and economic challenges in Africa and the benefits that can be derived from approach.

INTRODUCTION

The African population, as of the end of 2023, was placed at 1.4 billion, accounting for over 17%
of the global population that is standing at 8 billion. Projections indicated that Africa would
account for over 25% of the world's population by 2050, with the dominant age being between
18 and 35. This demographic analysis places Africa in a promising position in terms of social and
economic opportunities, but to maximize and tap into these opportunities, there must be efforts in
resolving the challenges that Africa is at present facing. The challenges such as poor education,
inadequate infrastructure, poverty and unemployment, corruption and poor governance, poor
access to healthcare, desertification, and so on are hindering the desired development in the
continent of Africa, and central to resolving these issues is a well-informed policy realignment
driven by the need for a proper framework in promoting the use of information technology (IT).
Although, in recent years, information technology has undergone remarkable transformations,
and it has demonstrated promising potential in addressing most of the social and economic
challenges facing Africans. However, there is a gap in the extent of development and adoption of
information technology influenced by factors such as infrastructure, investment, policy
frameworks, and human capital. Establishing comprehensive information technology (IT)
infrastructure, promoting investment in the direction of the development of information
technology, establishing policy frameworks, and the development of human capital are some of
the strategies that can be employed in achieving dependable and reliable information technology
(IT) solutions across Africa.
 Social and Economic Challenges in Africa
Africa is a continent full of diversity and opportunity because of its wealth of natural resources,
rich cultural heritage, and growing youth population. Notwithstanding these benefits, Africa still
faces significant social and economic barriers that impede its further development. These barriers
include trade imbalances, poverty, unemployment, poor health care, poor education, corruption,
inflation, insufficient infrastructure, unfavorable climatic conditions, and economic dependence
on wealthy nations. They are interconnected and require a holistic approach to overcome.
Information technology (IT) will be essential in providing the necessary solutions by improving
problem-solving skills across a range of industries, such as healthcare, education, agriculture,
and governance. Efficiency and accessibility are increased through the integration of IT
solutions, such as digital platforms and data analytics, which enable better decision-making,
resource management, and service delivery. Some of these challenges will be discussed in this
section, after which we shall look into how information technology help in proffering solutions
to each of them.

Poor Education
Poor Education caused by issues such as lack of qualified teachers coupled with overcrowded
classrooms and inadequate learning materials has been widely recognized as one of the major
challenges hampering the necessary development in Africa. This has resulted in many students
being without the foundational skills required for personal and professional growth.

Beyond limiting personal potential, inadequate education also hinders innovation and economic
growth. In a worldwide economy, a worker with inadequate education reduces productivity and
competitiveness. Many African countries continue to rely on low-skilled labor markets, losing
out on chances to capitalize on the potential of developing sectors like manufacturing and
technology. Furthermore, because people with little knowledge and skills find it difficult to find
long-term employment, inadequate education feeds poverty cycles.

By limiting access to vital information regarding civic involvement, government, and health,
poor education also impedes social development. Initiatives to support the democratic
government and tackle public health emergencies like HIV/AIDS and malaria are hampered by
illiteracy and low educational attainment. Additionally, women's engagement in political and
economic arenas is restricted by gender discrepancies in education, especially in rural regions,
denying communities of their full potential (African Development Bank, 2021).
Inadequate Infrastructure
Africa's socioeconomic development is still severely hampered by inadequate infrastructure,
which makes it more difficult for the continent to compete in the global economy and achieve
sustainable growth. Inadequate infrastructure, such as energy supplies, transportation networks,
and digital connectivity, causes bottlenecks that lower market accessibility, raise operating costs,
and impede productivity. The issues even result in widened digital divide caused by the fact that
digital infrastructure falls short of international norms. Many African countries are unable to
fully utilize the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution due to limited broadband
penetration and high internet fees that limit access to information, e-commerce, and digital
education (World Bank, 2022). These shortcomings are exacerbated by governance issues that
hinder infrastructure development and upkeep, such as corruption, shoddy institutions, and
inconsistent regulations.

Furthermore, progress can be accelerated by utilizing technology to create sustainable and

reasonably priced infrastructure solutions. African countries may enhance their quality of life,
promote inclusive growth, and realize their economic potential by giving infrastructure
development priority. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address Africa's infrastructure issues,
including greater public and private investment, regional collaboration, and the use of cutting-
edge finance tools like public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Corruption and Poor Governance

One of the biggest obstacles to Africa's development is corruption and bad governance, which
threaten social justice, institutional efficacy, and economic growth. Corruption can take many
different forms, such as nepotism, bribery, and embezzlement, which transfer funds intended for
infrastructure and public services into private hands. Besides worsening wealth disparity and
underfunding vital industries like infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, inflation,
unemployment and even poverty, this systemic corruption also damages public trust and deters
international investment.

In addition to strong anti-corruption frameworks, independent judicial systems and the

encouragement of good governance practices, initiatives like digital governance tools and citizen
engagement platforms have shown promise in enhancing accountability and transparency.
Programs for capacity-building and international cooperation are also essential for fortifying
institutional frameworks. Finally, in order to realize Africa's enormous potential and guarantee
fair and sustainable development, fighting corruption and enhancing governance are crucial first
steps.
Inflation
Africa's economic and social progress is still severely hampered by inflation, which has a
negative impact on investment, purchasing power, and macroeconomic stability. Inflation has
wide-ranging socioeconomic effects that include infrastructure development, healthcare, and
education. As the cost of providing public services increases, governments are faced with more
financial obligations. Efforts to accomplish sustainable development goals are hampered by
households' and enterprises' inability to allocate resources efficiently. Comprehensive strategies
that incorporate careful budgetary management, economic diversification, and investment in
industries that boost productivity are needed to combat inflation. In order to reduce inflationary
pressures and promote economic resilience in Africa, regional collaboration and strong
governance frameworks are also essential. Adoption of digital systems can help in enhancing
real-time tracking of products and services, minimizing delays and inefficiencies that often
escalate costs, thereby promoting price stability and ensuring the consistent availability of
necessities through efficient resource allocation.

Inadequate Health Care Services

Access to basic health care services in rural areas has been part of the concerns contributing to
social and economic problems in Africa, and this has been worsened by issues such as
insufficient medical personnel, infrastructural deficits and economic constraints. The problem is
made worse by shortcomings in technology and legislation, which make it challenging to provide
sustainable health care. Telemedicine, which might help alleviate the paucity of medical
personnel on-site, cannot be used due to a lack of digital health systems and telecommunications
infrastructure. Furthermore, the distribution of medical resources has become unequal due to
inconsistent government policies and insufficient health budgets, with metropolitan areas
receiving a disproportionate amount of funds and expertise. A multimodal strategy is needed to
address these issues, including building out rural health infrastructure, educating and rewarding
medical professionals to practice in remote areas, and utilizing technology to provide telehealth
services. Health in Africa can be improved with concerted efforts.

Agriculture
Despite its significance, the agricultural sector remains underdeveloped due to inadequate
infrastructure, limited access to modern farming technologies, and poor supply chain
management. These challenges are further exacerbated by insufficient IT adoption in rural areas,
where farmers often lack access to timely market information, weather forecasts, and modern
farming practices. Consequently, rural farmers are unable to optimize yields or access lucrative
markets, perpetuating cycles of poverty. The digital divide between urban and rural areas limits
the penetration of solutions such as mobile banking, e-extension services, and precision
agriculture, which could transform agricultural productivity. Without robust investments in IT
infrastructure, the sector will continue to underperform, hindering socio-economic progress in
Africa.

Due to certain challenges such as lack of Telecommunication infrastructure, unreliable energy

sources and poor transportation networks, it is difficult to implement IT-driven solutions to
improve agriculture in Africa. The issue is made worse by the lack of integrated rural
development strategies, which separate farmers from vital support networks including lending
institutions, educational opportunities, and marketplaces. A comprehensive strategy that
incorporates cooperation between the public and commercial sectors, investments in renewable
energy for off-grid solutions, and IT tactics specifically designed for rural settings is necessary to
address these issues. Such actions might unleash agriculture's potential, spurring rural
development and enhancing food security throughout the continent.

Poverty and Unemployment

The absence of industrialization and economic diversification is one of the main causes of
poverty and unemployment in Africa. Many African economies are mostly dependent on
extractive industries and agriculture, both of which are susceptible to changes in global
commodity prices and climate change (UNECA, 2020). Nigeria's over-reliance on oil exports,
for example, has caused economic instability at times of low oil prices, forcing many people into
poverty and leaving millions of people without jobs. Similar to this, many nations'
underdeveloped industrial and technology sectors are unable to accommodate the expanding
labor force, especially in metropolitan regions where population growth is accelerating. This
systemic economic disparity emphasizes the necessity of strong policies that support innovation
and industry in order to generate long-term job prospects.

Inadequate education and skill development are major contributors to these difficulties.
Employability is hampered by the mismatch between the skills taught in schools and the
demands of the labor market, especially in developing industries like information technology and
renewable energy (ILO, 2021). Furthermore, women in Africa frequently earn far less than males
and experience greater unemployment rates due to gender differences in education and
employment prospects. Policies that support gender parity in education and the workplace, as
well as investments in high-quality educational institutions that place a high priority on technical
and vocational training, are necessary to address this issue. In addition to improving individual
employability, such programs would support economic expansion and the fight against poverty.

Governments, international organizations, and the business sector must work together to address
Africa's ongoing poverty and unemployment. Economic inclusion and employment creation can
be achieved by tactics including increasing access to microfinance, encouraging
entrepreneurship, and making infrastructural investments. Additionally, promoting regional
integration and commerce through agreements like the African Continental Free commerce Area
(AfCFTA) can boost the economy and create jobs. To ensure sustainable growth and raise the
standard of living for millions of people throughout the continent, it is imperative that these
issues be approached holistically.

Current Roles of Information Technology (IT) in Problem Solving in Africa

Through enhancing problem-solving abilities in a variety of sectors, including healthcare,
education, agriculture, and governance, information technology (IT) will be crucial in delivering
the required solutions as highlighted in the section below.

Information Technology in Improving Education

In order to address inadequate education, well-planned Investments in curriculum development,
teacher preparation, and infrastructure are needed. To close the educational gap, creative
approaches are important, such as using information technology to support inclusive education
initiatives and remote learning. The following paragraphs highlight how information technology
can be employed in tackling the problem of poor education in Africa.

Long-standing issues faced by rural areas in Africa, such as restricted access to resources, teacher
shortages, and geographic constraints, have been addressed by information technology (IT) by
means of making high-quality educational content widely accessible through digital platforms
such as mobile devices and various other means. By providing access to top-notch educational
resources, e-learning platforms, and massive open online courses, information technology has
helped close the achievement gap between urban and rural areas in education sectors. For
instance, a researcher in Nigeria, by virtue of ICT, could be availed of a wealth of educational
journals resident in universities or research institutes as distant as in China and any other part of
the world. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Internet and computers, which are
elements of ICT. (UNESCO, 2023).

Through adaptive learning technology, IT also makes tailored learning experiences possible. By
evaluating each learner's unique needs and learning preferences, these systems customize the
way content is delivered to maximize learning results. Furthermore, mobile technology have
played a key role in increasing access to education, especially in nations with high mobile
penetration rates and sparse traditional infrastructure. Applications for mobile-based learning
give students an affordable and flexible way to continue their education (World Bank, 2022).
Additionally, IT enhances professional development and teacher training in addition to providing
access. Better teaching practices are promoted by platforms such as webinars and virtual
workshops, which enable teachers to learn new techniques and abilities. Cloud-based tools and
other collaborative technology allow teachers and students to participate in interactive learning
experiences that improve critical thinking and knowledge retention (African Development Bank,
2021).

Furthermore, developments in the ICT sector have aided in the creation of virtual and augmented
reality, which have improved the creation of immersive, captivating, and interactive learning
environments that have closed the gap between theoretical knowledge and the demonstration of
the real-world applications of the knowledge gained. The use of this technology in the classroom
has been shown to increase pupil engagement and inspiration in learning and improve
comprehension in learning centers.

Information Technology in Improving Poor Infrastructure

Renewable energy solutions, like solar-powered microgrids, have been the main source of power
supply in off-grid areas, which are remote rural areas that don't have access to traditional power
infrastructure. This shows how important IT is in making sure that these areas have access to
power infrastructure. Also, mobile networks have essentially surpassed traditional development
models by enabling millions of Africans to access communication services without depending on
large landline infrastructure (World Bank,2022).

Information Technology in Reducing Corruption and Poor Governance

Corruption and poor governance have been some of the major challenges hindering the desired
development across Africa and It has been demonstrated that information technology (IT) is an
effective instrument in the fight against corruption across Africa. It has shown to improve
transparency, accountability, and efficiency in leadership and public administration. For Instance,
Automated tax administration platforms and electronic filing (e-filing) are examples of digital
tax systems that lessen the need for manual procedures, reducing errors and corruption chances.
Sustainable economic development depends on these systems' ability to increase compliance
rates, expedite tax collection, and guarantee precise revenue tracking (World Bank, 2022).

Additionally, through open data efforts, IT also promotes transparency by giving citizens access
to data on government spending, programs, and budgets. These programs enable communities to
hold authorities responsible for their actions by supplying real-time data and encouraging citizen
participation. By enabling journalists and whistleblowers to successfully expose corrupt practices
and reach a wider audience, social media and digital reporting tools further improve this
transparency (Transparency International, 2021).

In conclusion, IT plays a critical role in addressing structural weaknesses and empowering

institutions and citizens in Africa's battle against corruption. IT provides long-term answers to
one of the continent's most enduring problems by encouraging openness, minimizing human
involvement, and utilizing cutting-edge technologies, opening the door for improved governance
and socioeconomic growth.

Information Technology in Reducing Inflation

Real-time tracking of products and services is made possible by digital systems, which cut down
on delays and inefficiencies that frequently result in increased expenses. IT contributes to price
stability and the consistent supply of necessities by reducing waste and allocating resources as
efficiently as possible (World Bank, 2023). IT empowers consumers and small businesses by
lowering the need for cash transactions and offering accessible credit choices, which lessens the
inflationary consequences of economic shocks and market distortions. Furthermore, e-commerce
platforms allow manufacturers and customers to trade directly, avoiding middlemen who
frequently raise prices (African Development Bank, 2022).

Information Technology in Improving Health Care Services

The use of telemedicine technologies has facilitated communication between medical personnel
and patients in underserved or remote rural areas. Telemedicine lessens the obstacles caused by
geographic and infrastructure constraints by facilitating remote diagnosis and virtual
consultations. Another revolutionary use of IT in African healthcare is health information
systems. By giving healthcare professionals instant access to precise medical histories, these
systems digitize patient records, expedite data collecting, and enhance decision-making. These
developments improve patient outcomes and lower medical errors, especially in environments
with limited resources.

Additionally, IT facilitates the dissemination of critical health information through mobile health
(mHealth) platforms. These platforms deliver timely updates on disease outbreaks, vaccination
schedules, and preventive measures, empowering communities with knowledge and promoting public
health. For instance, SMS-based systems have been instrumental in tracking and managing diseases such
as malaria and HIV/AIDS, ensuring timely interventions. Moreover, IT enables training and capacity-
building for healthcare workers through online courses and virtual workshops, addressing the persistent
shortage of skilled professionals in the region. (Global Health Institute, 2022).
In conclusion, IT is essential to the transformation of African healthcare systems, addressing systemic
inefficiencies and improving accessibility and service delivery. By means of cutting-edge applications like
telemedicine, health information systems, and mHealth platforms, IT helps to build a more robust and
equitable healthcare infrastructure, which in turn promotes better health outcomes throughout the
continent.

Information Technology in Solving Environmental Degradation

A variety of information technology tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote
Sensing Technologies (RST), are used to collect and analyze real-time data on land use, vegetation cover,
soil health, and climate. For example, high-resolution data from drones and satellite photography can be
used to assess the efficacy of interventions, identify regions at danger of desertification, and track
changes over time. These tools ensure focused and effective activities by supporting evidence-based
policymaking and resource allocation. (UNEP, 2023).

Furthermore, IT facilitates early warning systems, so communities and governments are alerted to
imminent threats, such as droughts or land degradation. By using predictive modeling and data analytics,
these systems can forecast adverse environmental events, allowing stakeholders to implement mitigation
measures in a timely manner. This information also needs to be disseminated to local communities via
mobile applications and digital platforms so they can take proactive steps to protect their lands and
livelihoods.

In order to restore degraded lands, Information Technology also supports afforestation and reforestation
projects. Digital platforms improve accountability and transparency in restoration operations by making
it easier to map and track tree-planting projects. Furthermore, blockchain technology is being utilized
more and more to track carbon credits and provide incentives for sustainable land-use practices, which
encourages international cooperation in the fight against desertification.

Information Technology in Improving Agriculture

Precision farming methods are among the most prominent contributions of Information
Technology (IT) to African agriculture. Drones, GPS mapping, satellite photography, and other
technologies give farmers remarkable precision in tracking weather patterns, crop health, and soil
conditions. By maximizing the use of inputs like water, fertilizer, and pesticides, these
technologies allow for data-driven decision-making, which raises yields and lessens the impact
on the environment (World Bank, 2022).

For African farmers, e-commerce platforms have further improved market accessibility. By
bringing producers and consumers together directly, digital markets lessen the need for
middlemen and guarantee more equitable prices for agricultural goods. Additionally, by making
it easier for produce to be aggregated, these platforms let small-scale farmers compete in bigger
marketplaces and satisfy the needs of urban and foreign consumers (African Development Bank,
2021).

Information Technology in Alleviating Poverty and Unemployment

The use of digital marketing tactics, which make use of social media platforms in addition to
traditional media like radio and television, is one significant advancement. This change enables
businesses to reach a wider audience, which raises the awareness of their products and boosts
sales. Skit creators and other social media influencers have become important participants in this
ecosystem, using their large following to advertise goods and services. In addition to increasing
organizational profitability, this collaboration gives influencers new sources of income, which
helps to reduce poverty and create jobs.

Particularly in developing economies, digital marketing offers targeted and affordable ways to
connect with potential clients. For example, companies may run customized ads that appeal to
particular demographics thanks to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Small and
medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are now better equipped to compete in the digital economy
because to these developments, which drastically reduce barriers to market access. SMEs, which
are essential to the economic development of Africa, gain from more visibility and client
interaction, which boosts sales and opens the door to business expansion. As a result, these
businesses directly address the high unemployment rates in the area by creating job possibilities
in a variety of industries, including logistics and content development.

IT promotes inclusive growth, as demonstrated by the partnership between companies and social
media influencers. Influencers serve as go-betweens for consumers and manufacturers, especially
with younger, tech-savvy audiences. Because of this dynamic, content creators now have a
profitable market in which to make money from their platforms through advertising partnerships.
By doing this, IT fosters a digital economy that depends on innovation and creativity in addition
to entrepreneurship. For instance, skit creators and other digital entrepreneurs have become well-
known in nations like South Africa and Nigeria, generating steady earnings while advancing
national and worldwide brands.

Additionally, the multiplier effect of IT-driven marketing goes beyond businesses and individual
influences. A rise in the demand for products and services drives manufacturing, which in turn
creates jobs in supply chains. This knock-on impact lowers poverty and raises living standards
while promoting wider economic growth. Furthermore, by promoting online transactions,
bringing more individuals into the formal economy, and improving their access to financial
services, digital marketing promotes financial inclusion.

Online retailers create significant job prospects in several industries, such as digital marketing,
warehousing, shipping, and customer service, by incorporating IT into commerce. Investment in
digital education and skill development has been stimulated by the increased demand for IT-
related services and skills. Additionally, by giving rural producers and craftspeople access to
urban and global markets, these platforms strengthen marginalized communities, boosting
revenue generation and lowering regional disparities.

Major Hinderance to Adopting Information Technology in Africa

The potential of IT in addressing the challenges facing Africa has been highlighted in the
previous sections, however, there is a major hinderance to maximizing the benefits that IT stands
to offer. This impedance is termed digital divide. Digital divide can essentially be described as
the difference or gap in the extent at which Information Technology (IT) Infrastructures are
accessible by different sets of people separated either by geographic location or races. This
determines the degree at which a set of people adopt Information Technology in their daily
activities and in providing solutions to various social and economic challenges such as: Poor
Education, Inadequate Health infrastructures, Unemployment, poverty and some others.

Global Digital Divide refers to the gap in the availability and extent of the adoption of
information Technology at global levels such as between Africa and Europe. In fact, it has been
reported that in 2023, mobile broadband speeds in higher income countries dominated by the
European countries is five time faster than we have in low-income countries dominated by the
African countries, pointing to the fact that there is need for more investment in the development
of infrastructures in the area of Information and communications Technologies (ICT) so as to
improve the availability of internet services in African countries thereby bridging the existing
divide in the digital domains. There are various benefits that can be derived from directing
efforts in ensuring that there are well established Information Technologies (IT) Infrastructures in
Africa because information Technology services are increasingly being used as intermediate
inputs in other sectors and this is evident in the data provided by word bank in its report stating
that from 2000 to 2020, Information Technology (IT) services have contributed to a much larger
share of the intermediate inputs across all sectors such as the education sector, the Health sector,
agricultural sector and some other sectors.

Framework for Adopting Information Technology (IT) in Africa

Proposed below are the organized method for creating Information Technology solutions that can
be adapted to African challenges is offered by the framework that is suggested below.

Infrastructural Development: Energy Efficient Approach

Having a reliable source of energy is very important. In fact, there is a direct relationship
between reliable energy source and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure; without stable
energy supply, it will not be possible to establish data centers, network operations, and digital
devices.

To resolve the issue of reliable energy supply as it relates to the provision of Information
technology (IT) infrastructures, especially in remote rural areas where there is additional
challenges of frequent power outages or areas that are so remote that they cannot connect to the
national grid, the concept of integrating renewable energy such as solar power with the deployed
infrastructures should be considered such that the telecommunication and internet providing sites
are powered by solar energy. These solar-powered internet sites are holistic in the sense that they
are not hindered by the unavailability of electricity which is a typical problem of off-grid rural
areas. This strategy will help in reducing the digital divide that exists between the rural areas and
the cities thereby contributing to social and economic development of the inhabitants of the rural
areas.

Implementing Policies that Promote Information Technology

There is a need to put certain policies in place to ensure that investment is directed towards the
spread of information technology in Africa. Policies such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP),
Subsidies and grants should be employed in encouraging investment in energy efficient
Information technology (IT) Solar-Powered internet sites. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a
policy that involves partnership between the government owned ministry and the private
organizations. This strategy is such that the private organizations bring their professional and
technical expertise on solar energy and how it can be integrated with internet sites to assemble an
energy efficient solar-powered internet site. The private organizations bring the results of their
research while the government provides the funding to ensure that the project is successful. This
is important because the prevalence of technology will lead to an increase in expertise in
technology and improve the accessibility of Information Technology infrastructure by the
inhabitants of rural areas. Another way of ensuring that solar-powered internet sites are
encouraged is by providing subsidies to the organizations that are ready to switch to using the
technology, that is the solar-powered internet sites, so that more startups can be encouraged to
adopt the technology.

Broadband Network Expansion to Capture Rural Areas

Expanding the broadband network to the rural area is also a very important way of extending the
availability of internet and telecommunication services to such areas. This can be achieved by
making sure that proper strategies are put in place to capture as many rural areas as possible
while laying the fiber optic cable that is used as backbone for the broadband network. Making
sure that the fiber optics cable is already laid close to the rural areas makes it easy to provide
facilities that enhance internet accessibility in the areas.

The revolutionary power of broadband expansion comes from its capacity to spur innovation and
inclusiveness. Targeted broadband programs can help underprivileged and rural communities,
which have historically been left out of the digital economy. This can improve IT-enabled
services like mobile banking and e-governance, increasing accessibility and transparency in
remote rural areas.

Capacity Building Approach to Promoting Information Technology

A key strategy for encouraging the efficient adoption and application of information technology
(IT) across a range of industries, especially in developing nations, is capacity building. In order
to better implement information technology for socioeconomic development, this process entails
bolstering the institutional, administrative, and technical capacities of people and organizations.
Baser and Morgan (2008) state that in order to close skill gaps and improve systemic skills,
capacity building includes initiatives like infrastructure development, training, and education.
When it comes to IT, this entails setting up technical training courses, funding IT education at all
levels, and fostering an atmosphere that encourages technological advancement. Initiatives such
as professional certification programs and IT-focused courses in higher education, for instance,
can guarantee that the workforce has the skills that, in turn, promote information technology. For
example, e-learning initiatives in rural areas that integrate customized content distribution with
IT infrastructure have the potential to revolutionize educational results. Essentially, the
framework of capacity building considers the institutional and sociocultural elements that impact
technology adoption in addition to the technical aspects of IT use. Stakeholders may design
robust systems that use IT for sustainable development by giving capacity building top priority.

Conclusion
Africa has social and economic advantages by virtue of its population, but to maximize and tap
into these opportunities, there must be efforts in resolving the challenges that Africa is facing.
Establishing sustainable Information Technology by prioritizing measures such as Capacity
building, infrastructure development, broadband expansion, Public-Private partnership and
investment in Energy efficient internet sites can improve the social and economic development in
Africa.