The Digitization of Africa

Globalization and technological change are driving new developments in electronic publishing and learning—developments that are dominating the transmission of educational information. African studies in the North are harnessing these developments to enhance the study of Africa. While control of, and profits from, these trends largely bypass Africa, there is growing evidence of successful African digital ventures. A new "scramble for Africa," for information resources to digitize, suggests a new process is unfolding: the digitization of Africa. This article outlines these trends and discusses priorities and principles underpinning evolving partnerships. The challenge for all involved in the digitization of African resources is to ensure access, sustainability, and fairness in the sharing of these resources. These goals can be furthered by close cooperation with and listening to African partners, and by the design and implementation of models that effectively deliver information resources over the long term in mutually beneficial ways.