Overcoming the Digital Divide through Electronic Commerce: Harnessing opportunities in IT for Development

The disparities in access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) comprise a divide between those who can and cannot reap the benefits of the information superhighway. Electronic commerce appears to enable this divide to be overcome. This paper provides insight into the ways in which development is brought about through ICTs. Following an analysis of the key factors effecting development through e-commerce, the contribution of this paper is in a framework that describes the relationship between the tools and benefits of e-commerce and its effect on development