An evaluation of the impact of the Internet in Africa

The article describes the diffusion of the Internet in Africa and its impact on its people, organisations and socio‐economic activities. It shows which countries are leading the way and why, and more importantly the problems confronted by people in different countries. A conceptual framework based on the work of Press, Daly and Menou is used to analyse the diffusion of Internet technologies in Africa. A case study, involving the application of web technologies in the agricultural sector, is used as an example of the key role the Internet can play in respect to key socio‐economic activities in Africa. The article concludes by looking at the future developments of the technology.