Fifteen years ago, the only option used to send an urgent two-paged document from Dar es Salaam to London was the fax. But, it was laborious, time consuming and sometimes difficult to send the documents, not to mention the costs. Today, without worrying about time and costs, one sits behind a computer and send messages along with documents by electronic mail. On the other hand, in as much as it was difficult to engage yourself in debates and other discussions with people far away, nowadays, everything has changed for the better. You can log on different websites and get a good picture of the current discussions and debates. The new information and communication technologies (ICTs) mean little less than a revolution when it comes to cost and convenience of communication for development organisations in most parts of this world. This is a revolution that left a question that, revolution for how many? Nearly 90 per cent of all internet users are in industrialised countries according to the International Labour Organisation’s World Employment Report 2001. In contrast, internet users in all of Africa and the Middle East together account for only one per cent of the global internet users, – the digital divide. Yet, the highest growth rates in internet users are found in Africa. The division is basically between the rich and poor. Those with access to the internet tend to be better-off, better-educated and urban centered. Africans, as a whole, have less access than Asians or Latin Americans. Within Africa, people in poorer countries have less access than those in wealthier countries like South Africa. Now which side of the coin? What are the development implications of the expanding role of telecommunication and the internet on societies in the South? A wide range of passionate voices can be heard these days. Enthusiasm on one side: developing countries leapfrogging into knowledge societies, empowered individuals, knowledge sharing. Some argue that ICTs can be harnessed to break down barriers in health, education, market information and international trade. The technology can contribute to closing the poverty gap by empowering the poor and giving them the chance to have their voices amplified and herd by decision-makers. Closing the digital divide will encompass other efforts in development, such as health, education and sustainable wealth creation. Public policies are called to shape the uptake of this technology. Sober voices on the other side: claiming that ICTs will further the divide and create new rifts. Poverty, illiteracy and debt relief must be tackled before wiring the world. If you live in a village that is not on the electrical grid, or phone system (though nowadays it may be claimed that mobile phone have solved telecommunication gap but the question is did the rural poor afford to buy an airtime as their income is below $1, which does not have access to safe drinking water or a school, the desire for a computer or internet access is not your primary problem. People in these areas do not get carried away by a fashionable idea which mainly helps multinationals that want to sell hardware, warn others. Exploring new potentials is important for both individuals and development organisations as communication through e-mail is an important part. The internet as a window for showcasing one’s products, services and culture and also as a door which allows entry to the external world’s attributes is another field. Yet, this is only a fraction of the actual potential of the new medium. Internet can improve the interaction between partners in development. For example the people working in the field of agriculture and rural development who participated in various trade fairs can communicate with their partners or customers informing them types of products they are expecting to exhibit and the same implies to other entrepreneurs. This type of communication saves time and money and easing data analysis as information on people’s activities (agriculture and rural development), and other general development issues will be delivered to the right persons and on time. However the gap existed between should be bridged in order for such revolution to save the majority. ICT has no doubt positively transformed lifestyles in Africa; but long term focus calls for a more cautious approach towards its utilization. One can set up a web based business; mobile phone banking has brought into the fold the majority that had been marginalised from financial services. The number of trips an urbanite used to make to check on their rural folk has reduced significantly. Face-to-face meetings with friends have been reduced to the most significant few (because buddies are simply an SMS or Face Book away). It is a matter of time and we will all recognise each other via SMS but not when we meet physically. ICT is great, only if we consciously choose to drive it as opposed to allowing it to drive us. Any motorist will agree that danger lurks in the air if you let the car drive you - you must drive your car. One cannot "drive" ICT without well developed core interests both as an individual, country and continent. It is with great concern as I watch wealthy economies develop special ICT defence departments while Africa retains her traditional armies of ground, air and sea forces). ICT has the potential to liberate Africa; if we consciously choose to drive it for our benefit.