Broadband – the most effective catalyst for development in emerging markets
Dambiso Moyo argues that “ limitless development assistance to African governments, has fostered dependency, encouraged corruption and ultimately perpetuated poor governance and poverty” [1] . It is self evident that sustainable development has not taken off despite the billions in foreign aid to African Governments over the last 60 odd years since the end of the colonial era. Having eliminated aid as being a non-starter for African development the challenge now is to find the magic formula. What key attributes, artefacts, behaviours or mechanisms will have the highest impact? It is a highly complex web of factors and interdependencies that will lead to a sustainable future. Issues like improved governance, the rule of law, better education, better health care, greater FDI, trade, even climate change will all be key factors that will impact the future of African development. As a technology advocate I argue that development is