Africa: reduce the digital divide thanks to research and education networks

Abstract

Africa is the continent of the 21st century. In 2050, 85% of all Francophones could be in Africa.However, the digital divide between Africa and Europe is contributing to a scientific divide: the majority of research programmes conducted in partnership cannot be implemented without satisfactory digital coverage.It is therefore imperative that the NRENs (National Education and Research Networks) develop in order to reduce the North/South digital divide.These networks will enable the Education and Research community to access a portfolio of services and a stable, reliable, secure, fast and dedicated telecommunications infrastructure, similar to RENATER (the national research and education network) in France.In March 2011, RENATER signed a collaboration agreement with WACREN (West & Central Africa Research & Education Network), aimed at developing cooperation and supporting the development of NRENs in this part of the world.Since then, RENATER, together with CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) and IRD (the French Research Institute for Development), has developed the roadmap for the NRENs in Cameroon, Madagascar and Côte d'Ivoire, and has also been involved in defining WACREN’s strategy through the H2020 TANDEM project.For its part, WACREN is raising awareness among political and financial players, and is contributing to the European AfricaConnect2 project to build a pan-African e-infrastructure.During this JRES session, the authors will:restate the context, challenges and impact of developing NRENs in Africa,provide an assessment of the current situation,and suggest opportunities for collaboration to achieve the objectives.