Globally, people have faith in the potential of new technologies. ICTs can make a valuable contribution in reducing communication costs for poor entrepreneurs. However, the whole 'information chain' needs to be understood and this chain exposes resources inequalities that will limit the poverty impact of the digital revolution.
Technology only affects part of a much broader social process.
Failure and negative impacts of ICTs in development have been downplayed. A focus on ICT-based information in development means the systems and knowledge which arise from within poor communities are being ignored. The poor need access to new digital information which has local relevance more than access to existing information from an alien context. The poor need intelligent intermediaries within their communities to use ICTs. The information needs of the poor will be met more by information systems that arise from within their own communities.