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Registering the finger print of a voter during a ceremony launching the new general census in yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire Photos: AFP/Getty Images
Advances in biometric identification technology could be used by African governments to improve social and political inclusion and spur economic development on the continent
Photos: AFP/Getty Images
Continued growth in the continent’s mobile subscriber base and an expected shift towards more sophisticated devices in the coming years could make Africa the next frontier in the global mobile handset market
Photos: AFP/Getty Images
The arrival of fibre-optic cables on Africa’s shores provides an opportunity for operators to open up broadband markets across the continent, although these undersea cables are only one part of the access puzzle
Reception dishes in a telecommunication centre in the Côte d’Ivoire AFP/Getty Images
New technology, combined with the high levels of mobile phone ownership in Africa, are allowing customers to access the financial system for the first time. Wendy Atkins reports
Health workers at Tivaouane district hospital, Senegal PHOTO: AFP/GETTY IMAGES/mHEALTH ALLIANCE
The use of mobile telecommunications technology to tackle sub-Saharan Africa’s healthcare challenges has attracted much interest. But can mobile technology actually fill the gap left by underdeveloped healthcare systems? Lanre Akinola reports
With a young population and an insatiable appetite for information, Africa could be the next great technology market
While mobile telecoms operators in mature markets are trying to squeeze more revenue from their users, in Africa and other developing regions they are looking to expand into hard-to-reach rural areas.
The phenomenal growth of the African cellular market readjusted many perceptions of business on the continent. Now fresh initiatives hope to bring competitive, affordable broadband to the previously fibre-dark coast of East Africa.
Telecoms entrepreneur Greg Wyler is well aware of the problems with putting telecoms cabling under Africa, having been among the first to endeavour to bridge the vast hinterlands that reinforce the “digital divide” and give African consumers access to modern telecoms infrastructure.
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