Scholars of development and communications have advanced diverse views and theoretical frameworks regarding the use and applications of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for development in Africa, some arguing that ICT will provide the leap forward that Africa needs. Others suggest that because of the global convergence of media ownership, along with deregulation and one-way information flows, ICTs benefits to the majority of Africa’s citizens, especially the poor and those living in rural areas will be negligible. This research report is providing a survey of the research of leading critical scholars, as well as reporting on relevant historical and epochal developments, beginning with the declaration of a New World Information Order and the 1977 UNESCO International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems.

This report also provides reportage on assessments of twenty-first century efforts to install new media access and ICT in Africa and the economic growth outcomes of the ICT development efforts conducted to date. The central focus of the proposed research is use of the human development paradigm developed by economist Wilfred David as the analytical methodology to conduct a critical assessment of the effectiveness of ICT applications for development. Consistent with that model, this report is highlighting concerted attempts to increase access and participation; improve quality of life; and affect distributory justice in Africa through ICT, chronicling expressions of resistant practices, and that which has occurred that is liberatory. This inquiry relies on research-based analysis to provide an informed assessment of the ICT and new media methodologies that have demonstrated the greatest potential for humanitarian affect, and which hold the greatest promise for increasing grass-roots participation and public good. In addition, this report chronicles evidence-based efforts implemented by African leadership, organizations, nation states, and others to install participatory processes and innovations that are glocalized, such as culture-specific interpretations of information and communication that merge global information technologies with local experiences and indigenous culture. This research report updates and expands the existing literature pertaining to contemporary communications and media activities and the history of ICT activities in Africa by providing dedicated focus on what has increased African participation and access.