Sunday, September 28, 2025
24.2 C
Lagos

UN Report: Local Software Can Spur Development in Africa

Local software production and development can spur economic growth in Africa and other developing economies, says a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
The ‘Information Economy Report 2012’ shows that information and communications technology (ICT) software and services are dominated by the developed world but developing economies are catching up.
It says that piracy, poor ICT infrastructure and inadequate protection of intellectual property rights are some of the major challenges hindering ICT software development and service expansion in developing regions such as Africa.
However, for Africa and the Middle East the biggest challenge to the software industry is limited access to venture capital.
The report urges governments in developing countries – significant buyers of software – to help the software sector by putting in place policy measures to facilitate the development of affordable ICT infrastructure and introducing legal frameworks to protect intellectual property rights.
Enhanced access to ICTs in developing countries is widening opportunities in areas including health, education, governance and business creation and expansion, according to the report.
“Software production can contribute to the structural transformation of economies – that is, wean them away from dependence on low-technology goods and on a limited number of products for export,” the report states.
Kenya and South Africa top the continent in supplying software and services for domestic consumption, with areas of focus being smartphones and tablets, as well as mobile applications driven by mobile broadband Internet services.
“Software development is strategic for Africa’s development as it offers a lot of opportunities,” said Aida Opoku-Mensah, Director of the ICT and Science & Technology Division of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), at the launch.
“Adapting software to local contexts helps firms to manage resources better, obtain information more efficiently and [set up] cost-effective business operations,” she said.
Software development in African nations also creates market opportunities for developers and boosts learning, innovation and job creation in those countries, she explained.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

AIICO Deepens Bond with Retirees, Holds Annuity Forum in Lagos, PH

Mr. Gbenga Ilori, Head, Retail Business at AIICO, in...

Sovereign Trust Insurance Holds 30th AGM

L-R: Eric Balogun, Independent Director, Emi Faloughi, Director, Kayode Adigun,...

Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger with Providus Bank

  EGM: From left: Mr. Usman Abdulkadir, Executive Director, Risk...

NNPCL: Ogoni Re-entry is a Beacon of Reconciliation through Collaboration

The re-entry into Ogoniland marks a historic turning point...

NLNG, NCDMB Celebrate 122 Graduates of Train 7 HCD Training Program

NLNG in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and...

Topics

ALSF Trains African Lawyers on Negotiating Economic Deals

The African Legal Support Facility has completed a two-day...

Sub-Saharan Africa Growth Declines 2.5% in 2016

The World Bank Group says growth in Sub-Saharan Africa...

NGE Condemns N5m NBC Fine on Channels TV over IPOB Interview

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) condemns in strong...

Economic Diversification, Non-oil Export Growth Back on the Front Burner

A peaceful outcome of the 2015 presidential election was the desire of the generality of Nigerians and the international community. Thankfully, we got it; and more. President Goodluck Jonathan converted his loss of the election to something remarkably positive for the country and for his legacy. His concession of defeat and early call to congratulate General Muhammadu Buhari, who emerged as President-elect, is surely an indelible mark in our strides to entrenching a democratic culture in Nigeria.

Arsenal, Emirates Make Football History in Sponsorship Deal

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and Arsenal Football...

NAICOM Chief, Thomas, Earns Award from College of Insurance Supervisors

  From left in the picture is the Commissioner of...

The Future of Work in Nigeria: GE Report

General Electric Nigeria yesterday released a whitepaper titled "The Future...

AIICO Commits to ESG Adoption, SDGs

Left-right: Adebola Basibo-Odoru (Annuity Product Officer), Leonard Okereafor (Agric...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img