Higher education in Africa is increasingly recognized as an essential key to unlocking the continent's vast human potential.  The realization and exploitation of this potential will be greatly enhanced if synergy could be created among universities nationally, regionally, and on a continental basis.  This calls for effective networking that is responsive to the core activities of these institutions – normally teaching and learning, research, and community outreach; complemented by effective linkages to universities and research institutions outside Africa. 

 

A critical enabler for such networking, unfortunately not fully recognized in the African context, is affordable, reliable, speedy Internet access – the lifeblood of modern education and research.  Globally the Internet has become the key facilitator for tertiary institutions: for access to distance education and shared learning; research data and information; for collaboration with research partners; and, for publishing research. 

 

In order for higher education to flourish in Africa, the communications infrastructure that links African universities with the global research and education community and with each other desperately needs to be improved.