By Amina Faki
‘Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without talking about the other.’ Bill Gates
Technology is advancing both in the developed and developing countries across the world. Even with the vast reach that technology has achieved, the digital divide still remains a major hindrance to many.
In an article written by Abdikadir Ismael, access to the internet is limited the gap between developed and developing countries is still opening up to digital products and services transform the world.
Luckily, the evolution of the mobile technology has narrowed the digital divide. It has managed to reach most people even in the rural areas.
In urban areas, superior infrastructure and private sector investment have brought a new generation of Africans firmly into the digital dimension by providing access to information technology (IT) and the associated skills but the same can’t be said in a rural setting, there’s still a long way to go.
To shrink and close the digital divide, the following are some steps:
Getting the hardware in place
Most people who live in the rural areas have limited access to hardware like the computers and laptops. Supplying this kind of hardware especially in schools in the rural parts of the country will help close up the digital divide.
Creating the first generation of ‘digital elders’
Creating digital elders is done through establishing that computers are useful in the day to day lives. The digital elders could then be able to pass down the knowledge to the young.
Securing the connectivity
Those in the rural areas with no access to digital infrastructures should be made to realize how much the internet can bring within their reach. with internet offices connect, businesses are run better, schools are administered etc.
Continuous training
Awareness is one thing and training the other, after creating awareness to individuals about the internet, and its infrastructure, individuals should continue being trained through digital hubs. This will strengthen the knowledge that one has in regards to the digital world hence shrinking the gap in the digital divide.
Persistence
It’s one thing to introduce a new world to the people and it’s the other to keep them willing to know the new world. Keeping hope and being persistent in creating the digital world awareness will enable people to exchange ideas and have the will to know more hence closing the digital divide gap.