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Could the advent of the Information Society hold the promise of a faster progress towards satisfying the essential needs of under-served populations ? Could the reduction of Digital Divide – the gap between those who use information technologies and those who don’t –greatly impact development policies? This article offers a snapshot that establishes the challenge on how to promote initiatives bound to offer a universal access to telephone and Internet in a world ruled by markets. These communication tools will contribute to the betterment of mankind if, and only if, they are promoted in the context of integrated multisectorial policies.

Richard Franco, Professor, did several missions in Africa and in India as part of development programs. From 2002 to 2005, he directed the implementation of a project promoting Information and Communication Technologies in Central African Republic.