Regardless of the arguments for or against, it is also important to recognise that information and communication technologies are not necessarily neutral in their effects. The extension of computer technologies into every aspect of social and economic frameworks reorders the social and economic environments. After all, with a minimal degree of literacy and access to a machine anyone can download software or order online. Africa should be an environment where 'cutting edge development' takes place. Having Africa as a technology testing ground presents the advantage that the technologies which should be tested and adapted to human purposes and not imposed from without.
Niche uses for older technology exist as well but the application needs to be well thought through.
If there is anything special in the so-called information economy, it is that people's smartness is what makes the difference, not materials and energy. This can't happen in a 'top-down' approach. It is generally acknowledged that partnerships must be developed between the public and private sector, but ICT strategies are hindered by the lack of trust between those two groups. Their memberships are demand-driven and so are forced to deliver to the satisfaction of their constituency. Last week's summary misquoted ADF'99 co-ordinator Kate Wild.