International politics of technology and its implications for development in Africa

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International Journal of Development Research

International politics of technology and its implications for development in Africa

Abstract: 

The fundamental uses of technology range widely, from the processing of natural resources for development to the creation of state infrastructures. These uses have made it a well sought after instrument. This work thus examines Africa’s road map for technology acquisition with a view to looking at the way forward. The work notes that Africa is the most affected by the shortage of technology. It accentuates the point that the struggle by African states for technology acquisition is dominated by two approaches, namely; technology transfer and partnership. So far, these approaches as noted in this work, have emitted elusive results, due largely to the power politics of technology providers, their leisure, and the lack  of commitment by the African recipient States. In view of these difficulties, the paper recommends the auto-centric approach which essentially suggests the reinforcement and application of African traditional technology which was stunted by colonial intervention. The paper concludes that Africa is not helpless as it can develop skills and techniques based on Africa’s peculiarities and its cultural foundation.