Achieving Continuous computing in Zambia

Continuous computing is defined as the continuous access to computing resources such as social media, email, blogs and other web-based resources or tools. In a digital world, people communicate using digital devices such as laptops, smartphones, media players, camera phones and other separate devices. Digital life makes everything simple and better.

Zambia’s access to computing resources is limited and only less than 5% of the people have access. This simply entails the government has not invested so much in science and technology.

Things are changing and computing is making things possible, consider the way we work (using different types of software applications to do tasks that were previous considered to be tedious, hence achieving higher levels of productivity); the way we communicate with our beloved ones, family and friends (using tools such as social media, internet-based tools such as BBM, WhatsApp etc.), how we learn or obtain information about a certain place we want to visit (using four Square) etc. I mean the usage of technology is vast, and mostly is being spearheaded by the usage of internet with the right infrastructure in place. Technology in Zambia is being driven by the private sector especially the telecommunications sector which is investing heavily in the usage of latest technologies. For the IT sector to grow in Zambia, it needs the intervention of the government, the government needs to set out priorities among them which should be the promotion and investment in science and technology. The benefits of science and technology are profound and cannot be compared to any other discipline be it economics, business etc.

Below I will propound and expound about two enabling technologies that can help to make Zambia a digital economy, so that it become a continuous computing country.

1.    Internet access: digital society is all about information sharing, and that information sharing comes about with the help of access to private networks and public network mostly the internet. Continuous computing requires the continuous sharing of information and knowledge. The cost of internet access in Zambia is exorbitant, therefore, there is a need for government intervention and compel ISP players reduce the price drastically. We need people to have continuous access to the resources via cheap internet so that life can be easier and do work out of the convention offices. An investment in the internet infrastructure should take precedence. Government should also start giving incentives to the ISPs the same way they do to the investors in the mines, thus promoting continuous computing and investment in science and technology. What is essential is more collaboration with the use of internet. We need to have cheap internet broadband with fast speed. We need our airports, bus stations like intercity in Lusaka, KMB in Kitwe to have internet hot spots, places like shopping malls need to have hotspots as well; not forgetting rural remote areas such Shangombo, Mporokoso etc. What we seek is continuous computing where people are able to access web-based resources wherever, whenever and anytime! Zambia need inexpensive internet access, and not what are subjected to at the moment. The government through the ministry of transport and communication (ZICTA) should look into this issue. Imagine with inexpensive internet access, how students from higher learning institutions will be able to do a lot of research. With cheap internet access, conventional telephones calls can be eliminated with the use of IP technologies such as Skype and Vonage which offer cheap and free voice and video calls. Holding of conference via the use of internet technologies can be the order of the day. Inexpensive internet access is a required. We need people to do a lot of e-payments anytime. People should be able to do a lot of inter-banking transactions via e-banking. With cheap access to the internet we shall a lot of creativity among computer programmers, and IT starts-ups will definitely emerge.

2.   Inexpensive, Wireless Computing Devices: Continuous computing requires access devices and mostly its wireless devices. These devices can mostly be Smartphones, Laptop, Tablets, PDA, Web-Cameras, video recorders, voice recorders, MP3 Players, pagers, GPS receivers, instant messaging and other separate devices. They are all supportive of social computing. Currently in Zambia, these devices are expensive and only a few elites are able to manage leaving out the majority poor. Anyway, thanks to MTN Zambia who recently launched the cheap internet access phone to enable more people get connected to the internet. I would also like other players in the sector to follow suite and introduce cheap internet access phone so as to carter for all the citizens regardless of their social status. Cheap digital devices will enable access to the internet thus making communication more cheap and affordable to the ordinary Zambians. We need more of such initiatives in Zambia. The government should also take the leading role and push for industry players to reduce the price of these devices. We have also witnessed the penetration of Chinese smartphones on the Zambian market which are cheaper compared to the western phones such as Nokia, iPhone and alike. Apart from phones, the price of laptops in Zambia should also come down drastically. The government should remove taxes for the importation of new computing resources and not second hand. We can make Zambia a hub of technology in Southern Africa. By removing certain taxes, it means we are enticing the technological giants to come and invest in Zambia by setting up assembly plants, which will result in job creation and poverty reduction. Technological vendors in Zambia should reduce the price of laptops, desktops and servers. Wireless laptop is one of the resources that can be able to access web-based applications thus making computing more social.

Continuous computing allows people to share knowledge, experiences, creations, schedules, and locations. The most common is the sharing of interests over social networking sites. The fallacy is that social networking sites are just made of people who are connected by a shared object. The experience of computing is phenomena and it’s the greatest invention of the 21^st Century. The two trends discussed above can shift and bring computing far closer to our everyday life or experience. “We have seen how social software can give us new ways to tap into the collective wisdom of the people in our social groups. But that’s one consequence of continuous computing. On a personal level, for example, the portable devices that sustain the information field are more respectable to our bodies and are perambulatory nature.” laments Wade Roush (MIT Technology Review, 2005).  Digital connection should be almost anywhere. I believe in the next 5 years Zambia will be a digitally connected country where even when on the beaches of Siavonga or lake Bangweulu, I will be able to connect with people back in Lusaka and when my boss request for certain information, I can send over to him like at the speed of lightening (Its greasing data).

Continuous-computing applications also mesh with lives by understanding our preferences. With continuous computing, you can synchronize all your activities with friends, family and colleagues. A lot of Zambians will be able to read news anywhere using smartphones and other digital devices. We can do it, we can digitalize our lives as well just like our western world friends.

Technologies change the way we work, live, love, play, think and feel.

References

MIT Tech Review: Social Machines

Lukonde L. Chaibela

Email: longanjela@gmail.com

TRANSFORMING AFRICA’S SOCIAL-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE USE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

There are higher levels of illiteracy in Africa that has affected the continent to move forward especially in sub-Sahara Africa. But with the dawn of science and technology, African can move forward and grow her economy speedily if she can embrace and invest in it. There is a lot of potential in Africa for technological growth.

In recent past, we have seen African governments investing much in science and technology, one such example is Ghana which is building a $10 billion high-tech hub – it will encompass a technological university, hospital, assembly of technological products, sports etc. This high-tech investment will foster technological growth and attract major players in the global ICT industry. Countries such as Nigeria which is building a new data centre that will be hosting cloud computing services; Kenya which is also a hub of technology in east Africa had the technology giant firm Hitachi opened a new branch there. Not forgetting Uganda which is also a power house of technology innovation in Africa.

African needs to invest a lot in science and technology if her economy is to grow. Technology unlocks a lot of potential in any country. We have seen how our Western and Asian counterparts have benefited from science technology and they are still utilizing its potential.

Rwanda which recently recovered from genocide is making advances under the leadership of President Kagame with regards to embracing technology. They just launched a project called One-Laptop per Child (OLPC) which is being commanded by the government and NGOs. The aim of this project is to turn Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy like that of Singapore. It is part of the Vision 2020 under the leadership of President Paul Kagame. Turning Rwanda into a tech hub will not only find jobs for the Rwandese but also help them to live a better life.

The merits of technology in education sector are gigantic in such a way that education can be delivered at a cheap rate or free and fast. E-learning is contributing to the growth education sector in such way that it eliminates or reduces illiteracy levels.

African governments should invest a lot in technology. Take for instance the new pilot project which was just launched by Wikipedia and Airtel which will allow people to receive Wikipedia articles via SMS/Text. If successful, this project will enrich the minds of many Africans, thus helping to reduce illiteracy. Again, take the innovation of the internet, people who have access to the internet are able to do a lot of research at a cheaper rate and have access to all sort of information cheaply. Another example is the use of social media, which allows people to associate and communicate cheaply. Social media is connecting people from all walks of life. Social media is a social of news now for many Africans. Breaking news is on Twitter and Facebook. Social media are also changing the way African politics are conducted.

Another technology revolutionary is the introduction of mobile money. Although it has a dark side of it, it has helped to transform Africa’s banking industry especially the rural part which is unbankable. Mobile money has been able to extend banking services to areas where conventional banks are not able to reach. Apart from internet connectivity, it is becoming one of the utilized technological innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The noble part of mobile money is that it is faster, cheap and convenient. The recent research indicates that mobile transactions will reach 1 trillion by 2015. This simply demonstrates that the leverage of mobile technology and technology at large is colossal. Not only is mobile money creating jobs for the many locals in Africa but also helping to create sustainable and health living standards by reducing poverty. Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South African and Zambia are some of the countries that are utilizing this service very much. Statistics also show that Africa has surpassed Latin America to be the second largest mobile market consumer after Asia. Giant mobile telecommunication companies such as MTN, Safaricom, Airtel, and Vodacom are the pioneers of this technological innovation. We are heading towards a cashless economy!!

Digitalizing African industries/firms via e-commerce is another way of propelling the economic expansion of Africa. With low rates and higher internet penetration, companies can be able to realize the full benefits that comes with e-commerce. E-commerce will enable African firms to have a wider reach. Companies can be able to market and sale their products cheaply. African companies such as retail, agriculture and entertainment industry can penetrate the market and have a global reach!! This is unleashed potential of revenue generation for Africa. IT start-ups can also focus on this area and create jobs!

Other innovative services that Africa can benefit from are telecommuting, where people are able to work away from their offices. Both the private sector and government can leverage technology to help improve the health care sector. Africa can harness the opportunities that are offered by technology in health sectors e.g. drug authentication technology called Mobile Product Authentication (MPA) – which is used to verify drug products against fake ones (Nigeria recently launched this). Also health smart-cards  Doctors can administer patients via video conferencing though the process called “Tele-pharmacy” or “tele-medicine”. Tele-medicine can help poor people in rural areas who have difficulties in seeking healthcare services. African countries can push ahead and draw up policies that support this e-health services. The market for this is ripe as such more jobs can be created and poverty stricken citizens in rural areas can have access to cheap and sustainable health care. Most competing health providers in African doesn't know use technology, thus, start-ups can come up and provide quality, affordable health care services for the middle and lower class.

In this information age we living in, there is need for Africa to invest a lot in technological infrastructure so as to eradicate poverty, remove illiteracy, provides jobs and contribute to the development of the continent. Of course the first step to actualize all these benefits can only start with massive investment in technological infrastructure. The digital divide has to be reduced drastically as well by making cheaper access to the internet. The global information society should also carter for Africa. African governments have the duty to digitalize the entire continent and transform it into a knowledge-based economy. Mind you, telecommunication is the fastest economy drivers in any country.

Although the usage of computers have increased over the last decade, what is needed now is to develop and utilize the services that technology offer such as the internet, mobile money, digital marketing among others. Technology need to encompass all the areas: accounting and banking, agriculture, communications, health, mining, transportation, defence  medical, and research. Governments should also come up with policies and regulations that can enhance technological usage in these areas. If African governments embrace technology, there will be more FDI inflows, thus contributing to the economic growth of the continent. Skills trainings to be specialized in computing is a pre-requisite as well, e.g. programming, security, networking, telecommunications, information systems etc. We lack resource specialization in Africa. We need to educate more people in the discipline of technology. What Africa needs most is the ability to exploit existing products effectively, and this can only be achieved through education. Development is all about people, their needs and their potential, and not with the sophistication of technology. Training costs in sub-Saharan countries are too exorbitant and needs to be reduced drastically.

Technology is a tool for growth in Africa. Africa can achieve mammoth economic gains with the aid of science and technology. The benefits of science and technology are immense and this is a very innovative sector that will continue to create benefits for more years to come. With high mobile penetration, Africa can take advantage of technology and propel economic growth.

Lukonde L. Chaibela