Globally we see a digital divide in access and literacy. There have been international organizations that have taken on the task to identify and quantify the digital divide around the world.
Having access and being able to use information and communication technologies is important to develop as an individual, and ultimately for communities to develop as well.
The Father of the African internet, Nii Quaynor, began advocating for the continent to use the internet on a wide scale, although controversial Quaynor has stated that the use of ICTs can be as integral to Africa as food and water, as ICTs can lead to innovation and discovery of new methods that could solve issues like food shortages and lack of clean water.
An example of how the global digital divide has a negative impact, is E-commerce. E-commerce in the western world has surged the last decade. However communities who have the obstacle of access and literacy have not been able to tap in to E-commerce. Stifling further the potential for economic growth and an raise in entrepreneurship and industry.
Into the Digital Divide 