For class discussion, Feb. 19, 2009
"Competitiveness and ICTs in Africa"
(Chapter 5 in Africa Competitiveness Report 2007 by the World Economic Forum)


1.  What is this chapter about?  In assessing the ICT readiness of African
countries, what should we look for?

2.  What are the main success stories discussed in the chapter?

3.  According to the author, how has the hi-tech market changed in African
countries?  What point is the author making in Figure 4?

4.  Which African countries appear to have the best mobile infrastructure?
In your opinion, which data particularly stand out?

5.  According to the chapter, why is a 3rd generation mobile service important?

6.  In your opinion, based on the figures in the chapter, how good is
the Internet bandwidth in Africa?  How affordable do the phone and
Internet services seem?

7.  What sort of infrastructure projects are planned or ongoing currently
in Africa?

8.  What is "digital opportunity"?  Is this similar to other concepts we
have read about?  

9.  Which African country would seem to be the most promising
place to start an IT company?  Are there important issues not addressed in 
this chapter that would help us make a more informed decision?