Public policy challenges and implications of the Internet and the emerging e-commerce for sub-Saharan Africa: A business perspective

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Darley, William K.

Affiliations: Department of Information Systems, Marketing, E-commerce & Sales, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. Tel.: +1 419 530 2177; Fax: +1 419 530 2290; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: As businesses move to establish closer links with their customers and suppliers in the global marketplace, a new set of requirements is being placed on businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. The rules of commerce are being turned upside down, and for sub-Saharan African businesses to compete, local governments would have to create an enabling Internet and information infrastructure. This paper examines the Internet environment in sub-Saharan Africa and explores what the Internet can do for businesses. It investigates the public policy challenges and implications of the Internet and the emerging e-commerce for sub-Saharan Africa. The paper ends with a discussion and conclusion.

Journal: Information Technology for Development, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-12, 2003