Digital libraries and development in Sub-Saharan Africa A review of challenges and strategies Joseph M. Kavulya Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya Abstract Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region. Design/methodology/approach – A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries. Findings – The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today’s digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub-Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development. Originality/value – The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub-Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government-backed strategy on digital libraries. Keywords Digital libraries, Sub Saharan Africa, Information services, Communication technologies, Education Paper type General review Introduction Information and knowledge are recognised as the world’s most critical resource and the driving force for social development and the modern economic system (Unesco, 1999; Bilton et al., 2002; Huang and Russell, 2006). Many writers have concluded that information and knowledge are key to advancement of education, environmental conservation, professional development, research and innovation (Stiglitz, 1999; Unesco, 2000). The 1998/1999 World Bank’s World Development Report specifically underlined the fact that “economies are built not merely through accumulation of fiscal capital and human skills but on foundation of knowledge, learning and adoption” (World Bank, 1999). The 2000 G8 Summit declared that information and knowledge are tools that individuals, firms and communities can apply to address economic and social challenges with greater success than ever before (Government of Japan, 2000). This implies that any effort to improve people’s lives through development activities will greatly benefit if the project planners and the beneficiaries generate, acquire and use The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm Digital libraries and development 299 Received 8 August 2006 Revised 2 September 2006 Accepted 2 September 2006 The Electronic Library Vol. 25 No. 3, 2007 pp. 299-315 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0264-0473 DOI 10.1108/02640470710754814