Computers for Africa: lessons learnt from introducing computers into schools in Mozambique

This article discusses research undertaken to document the process of introducing and using information and communication technology (ICT) in the secondary schools of Mozambique in the last three years of the 20th century. The research takes the form of a case study focused on the internet for Schools Project (IFSP), which is considered the first attempt to integrate computer-assisted education in Mozambique. The study identifies some important collateral aspects that developing countries should not underestimate when planning the dissemination of ICT in schools to accelerate the country’s future participation as an active member of the global information society. We ask three questions: “What happened? What worked? What did not work?” We then propose some recommendations for implementing computers in schools in other developing countries.