Durban - "When I am online, I no longer live in a
shack"
That was the sentiment shared by Onica Makwakwa, Africa
Co-Ordinator for the World Wide Web at the panel discussion on closing the
digital divide at the World Economic Forum this morning.
Makwakwa gave a powerful and impassioned plea for
internet access to become both more accessible and affordable for people across
the continent.
"Access to internet is a basic human right, the same
as access to water and electricity. We need real policies around competition to
drive prices down," she said, adding that some young people in Africa will
spend up to 80 percent of their income on staying connected.
She also suggested multi-stakeholder partnerships to
develop smart policies, for example implementing water piping and fibre cabling
project at the same time and highlighted the need for free public access,
especially in schools and libraries.
South Africa's Minister for Information and
Communication, Siyabonga Cwele was spotted at the session.
Mastercard President, Middle East and Africa Raghu
Malhotra, who was la for credit and loans become easierso on the panel, said
the use of the QR code will bring 110 million new consumers into digital
banking.
"I don't think internet will ever be free, but the
scale of users can drive down costs. We have an integrated business model built
around people with key focus on affordability, access and education.
Ade Ayeyemi, Group CEO Ecobank Transnational said digital
banking such as the QR code provided access to a person sitting under a tree,
running a corner shop or driving a taxi.
"This type of banking also provides a track record
where applying for loans becomes easier.
It was agreed that user centred apps are crucial where the
needs of marginalised communities are considered and that education of basic
internet skills, such as a parent registering a child for school, is
needed.
INDEPENDENT MEDIA
WEF TEAM