Although the origin of the phrase "the digital divide" is not known, the debates around the issue have signified the necessity for African media to produce quality information which illustrates the issues and views of Africans from within their own communities through broad policy agenda on how it can realistically adopt and adapt the new technologies to work for its development in sustainable ways.

The digital divide refers to the divide between those who have access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT's), such as the Internet, and those who do not. In short the haves and the have-nots. Paralleled with the rapid growth of technology is the growth of those who do not have access to it.

Today, new Media in Africa stands at the foothills of an exciting new era. With a great demand for the innovation and advancement of information technologies and telecommunications throughout the world, the media in Africa appears to have an exciting future to look forward to. Nevertheless, we cannot overlook the fact that a vast divide exists between the Africa's standpoint and the technological advancements of the first world. Nor can we lose sight of the fact that in order to sustain the future of the media in Africa, we need to transform the way we operate as the media. It is not surprising that Africa exhibits the worst elements of the digital divide in its multi-dimensional aspects. This is because Africa has also the highest levels of poverty and underdevelopment globally. It is also the least developed in terms of infrastructure. There are more telephone lines in Tokyo than there are in the whole of Africa. There are more telephone lines in New York if not in Manhattan than there are in Africa.

The aim of this paper is to show that with Internet technology growing so rapidly there is no longer a digital divide but a gap. This paper also intends to stress the need for Africans to focus on content as opposed to agonizing over infrastructure needs. Although Africa needs technological advancements for the advancement of communications technology, it would be made redundant if the information presented were irrelevant. The quality of content on the Internet is far more important than the way its purpose or presentation. The paper also discussed the role of teachers. Teachers need to know how to use technology and teach children in schools how to use it.

Lastly, the development of infrastructure is not the only problem facing the African community; responsibility and skill are needed for this equipment in order to make the advances in ICT relevant.

Keywords

• What is the digital divide?
• Africa and the Digital Divide
• The Place of African Media
• Conclusion

(30 min. Conference Paper, English)