From Connectivity to Digital Contestations: The Effects of Fibre-Optic Infrastructure on Firms in East Africa

In the previous decade we have seen a concerted set of initiatives that have sought to provide fibre-optic infrastructure to East Africa, yet there has been very little systematic research on the actual effects of improved connectivity on firms in the region. Drawing on research in two sectors and two countries this paper seeks to understand if, in the contexts of changing connectivity, East Africa-based firms are able to capture more value. Findings suggest that improved connectivity is affecting relations of production, and the ability to capture value. Most notably, with improved connectivity, value chains are becoming increasingly data-driven. In these data-driven chains, value creation is determined by the ability to control, capture, and create digital resources. Contrary to expectations of political leaders in the region there is little evidence to suggest that improving connectivity is leading to extensive upgrading for firms in the region. The conditions necessary to control, capture, and create digital assets are more in place for already powerful rather than the marginal. Moreover, as digital networks in East Africa enable wider realms of production to become codified, digitised and transmitted, those with control over the digital are liable to further benefit.

(PDF) From Connectivity to Digital Contestations: the Effects of Fibre-Optic Infrastructure on Firms in East Africa. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295257124_From_Connectivity_to_Digital_Contestations_the_Effects_of_Fibre-Optic_Infrastructure_on_Firms_in_East_Africa [accessed Dec 13 2018].