The Intelligence from The Economist Down to the wires: Africa’s digital lag
4 snips
Jul 30, 2024 
Sophie Pedder, Paris Bureau Chief for The Economist, recounts her insights on the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, revealing its captivating blend of history and modernity. Film critic John Bleasdale discusses the groundbreaking impact of 'The Blair Witch Project,' highlighting its innovative marketing and its role in shaping the found-footage horror genre. They also explore Africa's digital challenges, where mobile technology can drive progress despite significant infrastructural hurdles and the urgent need for AI regulatory reforms.
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Easy Mobile Credit
- Sending mobile credit to family in Nigeria is now effortless.
- It's sent directly to their phone, eliminating the need for PIN numbers and hassle.
Digital Divide
- Mobile phones revolutionized Africa two decades ago, enabling weather forecasts, mobile money, and communication.
- Now, poor internet infrastructure threatens to hinder the continent's progress in the age of AI.
Africa's Bandwidth
- Until last year, Africa's international bandwidth was less than Brazil's, highlighting its digital deficit.
- Nigeria's average wired internet download speed is a tenth of Denmark's, and mobile internet is even slower.
