Mobile Services and ICT4D, To the Network Economy - Bridging the Digital Divide, Ethiopia's Case

TL;DR

This paper explores how mobile communications and ICT4D strategies can foster development in Ethiopia by leveraging tailored applications across sectors, inspired by experiences from other developing countries, to bridge the digital divide.

Contribution

It proposes a development paradigm for Ethiopia utilizing mobile services and innovative technologies, adapting successful models from other countries to the local context.

Findings

Mobile services can significantly enhance access to healthcare, finance, and education.

Adoption of open interfaces and service-oriented architectures enables scalable mobile solutions.

Stakeholder collaboration is crucial for implementing ICT4D initiatives effectively.

Abstract

This paper presents a development paradigm for Ethiopia, based on appropriate services and innovative use of mobile communications technologies via applications tailored for sectors like business, finance, healthcare, governance, education and infotainment. The experience of other developing countries like India and Kenya is cited so as to adapt those to the Ethiopian context. Notable application areas in the aforementioned sectors have been outlined. The ETC 'next generation network' is taken into consideration, with an emphasis on mobile service offering by the Telco itself and/or third party service providers. In addition, enabling technologies like mobile internet, location-based systems, open interfaces to large telecom networks, specifically service-oriented architecture (SOA), Parlay/JAIN and the like are discussed. The paper points out possible endeavors by such stakeholders like: telecom agencies and network operators; businesses, government and NGOs; entrepreneurs and innovators; technology companies and professionals; as well as researchers and academic institutions. ICT4D through mobile services and their role in bridging the digital divide by building a virtual 'network economy' is presented.