Embracing “Open Access” in East Africa: A Common Internet Infrastructure Policy Agenda for Human Security and Economic Development

Abstract

In East Africa, development practitioners, economists, and local entrepreneurs believe the Internet can be a catalyst for economic growth and human development. However, these three communities lack a common agenda to make increased access a reality. This article attempts to find common language among these communities, and suggests they support a policy framework called Open Access, which aims to provide Internet access to the most people at the lowest cost through market based solutions and limited public financing.