May 2009

Citizens of the World? Africans, Media and Telecommunications

Afrobarometer Briefing Papers Cover

This publication investigates the frequency of access to the internet and cellular phones for gathering and sharing information for various African countries, using data from four rounds of Afrobarometer surveys. More traditional media outlets such as radio, newspapers and television are contrasted with newer technologies. The authors develop an 'Index of Cosmopolitanism' in order to reflect the extent to which Africans have access to elements of global culture. The paper concludes that the majority of Africans continue to be local rather than world citizens.

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