Upwardly Mobile in Africa - Article Review

The article “Upwardly Mobile in Africa” described the improvement of mobile technology and increase of mobile telecommunication businesses had advanced the African living standard and culture overall, but the long term consequences are still unforeseen. This essay addresses the living standards, mobile culture, mobile businesses, and future in Africa relates to the influence of mobile technology.

According to my research the overall African living standards is improving. The poverty in Africa had decreased from elven percent to one percent. According to the African living standard measurement, the living standard and economy in Africa is going to continue to progress fast. The hardship which African citizens went through had built them strong work ethics or hardworking values. These values are African advantages, and it will advance the culture and economy overall.

According to CNN, there are seven ways mobile technology had help Africans lives, including banking, activism, education, entertainment, disaster management, health. In Africa, there is more than half adults use mobile money. More and more citizens in Africa use mobile money to make transactions for personal uses. Further, the governments try to advance their banking system in order for each citizen to have an account. The mobile technology help the disenchanted by government that the government became more transparent. But because of the openness of information, there might cause a rebellion or violent activity by citizens. Thirdly, the education system had advanced by the influence of mobile telecommunication businesses. There are more educational programs established locally, like Mxit, a mathematical online educational systems that help students and teachers with tips and solutions. There are also other social networks established in Africa for kids to interact each other. The forth way is the increase of entertainment established, people like to use mobile to download or get access to online music, videos, pictures, and social networks. With the increase of African mobile users, there will be more entrainment businesses or programs. The mobile influence also help Africa with disaster management that with the convenience and fast speed of telecommunication refuges can reconnect with their family members. This is probably the most benevolent thing happened caused by the progress of telecommunication technology. African agriculture had been benefited due to mobile influence. Farmers now use their mobile phones to check the updated agriculture tips and the food market prices in order to manage their farm productively. Finally, because there is more openness and transparency of information, people can avoid buying counterfeit medicine and learn new health tips. According to one article, there are more than thirty percent counterfeit drugs in developed countries. It means the health issue is serious in every country in Africa, but it gets better with the mobile influence.