Social media has revolutionized all parts of the world in every possible aspect. The use of smartphones has altered the media and access to information. In Africa, even the poorest places have smartphones with full command of social media platforms.
With time, these platforms are taking power and controlling the lives of Africans. From the way they think to how they dress and their political choices. In this article, we will explore and briefly analyze the impact Social media has had on African politics.
How has African politics evolved over the years?
Research done by Maggie Dwyer and Thomas Molony titled Social Media and Politics in Africa: Democracy, Censorship, and Security mention how African politicians have been using Social Media to serve their agenda.
It has been noticed how the Politicians, along with the masses, have found solace in Social Media while using it to its maximum strength, for it gives them the space and freedom to express themselves. They seem to be more comfortable expressing their views without the fear of being oppressed.
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An example
Over the years, Politicians have also used platforms like Twitter to share the news with their people. A prime example of this is when the Prime Minister of Mali took over Twitter to announce the resignation of the Government.
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Then to now
Previously, the Politicians would take to the government-owned local channels to put their word across by conducting a press conference. However, with the shift and boom of digital platforms, they find it easier to communicate and reach out to the masses with a simple click.
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The stats
Africa has an estimated 1.3 million inhabitants. Roughly 200 Million are social media users, while an approximate number of 500 Million are using the internet, in one way or the other. The flipside of this is that the conventional and old school politicians take Social Media as a threat to the freedom and the length of information it provides to the people.
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The ban and its reason
It is interesting to see how the African Politicians feel threatened by the power of Social Media, resulting in a long unnecessary ban on the platforms. In July 2019, the 16-month ban was lifted off the blockage, which was a ‘necessary action taken for security reasons.’
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The good influence
As mentioned before, different politicians took it differently according to their use and understanding of the digital platform. Facebook and Twitter, in particular, have shown tremendous and faster reach to the right audience.
It has allowed direct access to the masses to reach out to their Politicians with comments, suggestions, feedback, and thoughts.
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The bad influence
It will be amusing to know that the internet cost in Africa is rather expensive compared to the rest of the world. This makes the costs of digital marketing go skyrocket, putting budget restrictions. Upon comparison, broadband in some African countries would cost around $1,000, while it is merely $6 in Iran.
Adding to this, the payable taxes are much higher too.
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The next 10 years
The politicians in Africa and its people have tasted the freedom of speech and the influence of knowledge. In no time, the African politicians will be taking the Social Media platforms by the horns to advertise and reach out to the masses.