Experts urge developing nations to reduce reliance on foreign technology

This warning is highlighted in the new book 'Digital Social Work Across Africa and Asia,' co-authored by Siddhartha Tiwari, Adi Fahrudin, and Fentiny Nugroho. The book examines how many African countries face similar challenges in modernizing social services. Professor Adi Fahrudin, in an interview with The Namibian, stated that technology should reflect local realities and support communities rather than forcing them to change.

He emphasized that importing Western software often fails to account for African communities or informal economies. The book discusses issues like the 'shared screen' problem, where one smartphone is shared by multiple family members, potentially compromising privacy for vulnerable individuals receiving sensitive information. It also addresses 'analogue poverty' and challenges policymakers to carefully consider the implications before moving essential public services entirely online.

While the authors advocate for strengthening local digital infrastructure, the book gives less attention to the financial and practical challenges faced by countries with limited basic infrastructure and public services.