A methodology for the adoptation of information systems in least developed countries (LDCs) : case study Ethiopia
Kebbede, Sirak (2012)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205086963
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205086963
Tiivistelmä
Ethiopia is one of the United Nation’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and is ranked as one of the absolute least developed in terms of information and communications technology (ICT) development and penetration. Ethiopia has only 0.5 Internet users per 100 residents and 6 telephone lines per 100 residents, which is one of the lowest penetration rates in the world. Additional issues include the limitation of most Internet access to cities and a monopoly telecommunications provide that controls all ICT development. Although Ethiopia does have some positive signs of development, including establishment of tertiary educational programs designed to improve skills, Ethiopia is still lagging significantly in terms of its ICT development. This research project takes a case study approach to identifying issues in ICT development in Ethiopia. Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, including previous analyses, government and NGO reports, and primary interviews with ICT professionals and policymakers in Ethiopia, the research examined the current state of implementation, barriers and challenges, and ways that these barriers could be overcome. These findings were then used to generate recommendations for Ethiopian government policymakers. Research generally indicated that significant problems included lack of human resources and awareness of ICT and associated issues, failure to fully develop the infrastructure, and the need to privatize the ICT infrastructure to promote development. Other issues included that where there were expansion initiatives, there were still challenges in quality of service. This analysis concludes that privatization of telecommunications activities or stronger regulation is the main factor in improvement of ICT services in Ethiopia, and that this type of modernization must be done in order to allow Ethiopia to catch up in terms of its ICT development.