Twenty African states still have only one ISP, usually operated by the public utility. Access remains largely confined to the major cities and national capitals, and to South Africa particularly. The country accounts for two- thirds of the entire continent's internet users. There are a number of factors holding back the IT industry. The most obvious is the lack of access to the telecommunications network.
Cellphones are expensive but they are the only alternative to long queues for fixed-line telephones.
Beyond telecoms, the quality of other types of infrastructure is also an inhibiting factor. More schools and colleges need greater access to computer technologies and training if public use of the internet is to be broadened and e-business take off. In addition, public policy must be right. However, policies specifically targeting e-business are useless on their own. More general measures designed to improve the overall business climate are also required.