World Bank/Arne Hoel
African governments, businesses, and
nonprofits use technology routinely.
while half of India’s population is under 26. (In
comparison, half the people in the United States are
younger than 37.) Today, young adults in developing
countries are an energetic generation, bettereducated than ever before. For many, technology is
an integral part of life.
There are more cell phone users in Africa than in
Europe. In Ghana, said social media entrepreneur
and tech blogger Mac-Jordan Degadjor, 85 percent
of the population subscribes to a digital service.
Africa’s Internet users, about 110 million now, are
expected to grow exponentially in the next decade.
Here’s how Degadjor, who is 26, sees the future: “The greatest opportunity
for growth will come from technological innovation and the adoption of new
technologies in service sectors, such as banking, insurance, health, education,
and agriculture. These growths in technology are very important to me and my
networks because they help shape the socioeconomic aspect of our lives and
bridge the gap between people in Ghana and those in other parts of the world.”
American businesses move quickly to invest in good prospects. To create an
environment that attracts private sector investment, developing countries need
assistance from the U.S. government and other donors to strengthen education,
health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Businesses rely on government to
provide them with an educated, healthy, well-nourished workforce and services
such as reliable electricity and roads.
Ensuring that developing countries get the “hand up” they need to improve
the lives of their people is not only the right thing to do—it’s a smart investment,
one that’s now paying off in countries such as Ghana.
Further Thoughts
Percent of people in developing countries who are hungry, 1969-71 to 2010
Percentage who are hungry
35
1969 –71
30
1979–81
25
1990–92
20
1995–97
15
2009
2000–02 2008
2004 –06 2010
10
5
0
Source: FAO.
8 Essay 1
Catholic Relief Services/Laura Sheahen
n
Bread for the World Institute