Sophie Pedder, Paris Bureau Chief for The Economist, shares her insights on Africa's digital divide and how a lack of infrastructure hampers progress. She discusses the potential of mobile technology and AI to drive change but highlights the governmental barriers that hinder connectivity. Additionally, Pedder dives into the Seine River's pollution issues affecting events like the triathlon while exploring innovative solutions for Paris's urban sustainability. Lastly, she connects these topics to the cultural impact of 'The Blair Witch Project' in horror filmmaking.
Africa's mobile connectivity has transformed communication, but inadequate fixed-line infrastructure is hindering the potential gains from AI advancements.
To improve digital infrastructure, governments must streamline regulations and attract investment, addressing challenges like high taxes and unreliable power supply.
Deep dives
The Digital Divide in Africa
The digital revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by the widespread use of mobile phones, has significantly transformed communication and financial transactions. However, the continent is currently facing another potential revolution with artificial intelligence that it risks missing due to inadequate digital infrastructure. The lack of reliable internet speeds, especially compared to countries like Denmark, is a major obstacle, with a significant percentage of the population relying on even slower mobile connections. This infrastructure gap hinders productivity, innovation, and ultimately economic growth, as Africa could miss out on a large share of the gains from the burgeoning AI economy.
Challenges of Internet Infrastructure
Africa's internet infrastructure struggles are deeply rooted in its historical emphasis on mobile connectivity at the expense of landline systems. As a result, many households lack the foundational wiring necessary for fast fiber optic broadband, meaning substantial investments are needed to establish functional fiber connections. Beyond internet connectivity, the continent also suffers from a shortage of data centers that are essential for efficient data management and cloud computing. The lack of necessary power to support these facilities complicates the situation further, as many regions experience frequent electricity outages.
Regulatory Hurdles and Solutions
To overcome these infrastructure challenges, it is vital for governments to streamline regulations that hinder private sector investment in the digital landscape. Initiatives like Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet could be instrumental in reaching underserved rural areas but face bureaucratic roadblocks that limit their deployment. Additionally, high taxes on the telecommunications sector elevate the cost of data for consumers and deter potential investors. Hence, improvements in infrastructure will require a concerted effort from both governments and development institutions to encourage investment and facilitate growth in Africa's digital future.
The dearth of fixed-line infrastructure that allowed the continent to leapfrog into the mobile-phone age now holds it back. We ask how to ensure the even spread of AI’s dividends. A stinking Seine has delayed the Olympic triathlon, but the river could one day help clean up Paris (7:09). And how “The Blair Witch Project” changed horror films (14:33).