Analysis of Key Dynamics of Software Piracy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Volume 7 Issue 4 September - November 2018

Article

Analysis of Key Dynamics of Software Piracy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mboungou Mouyabi Seke*

*University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mouyabi seke, M.(2018). Analysis of Key dynamics of software piracy in Sub-Saharan Africa, i-manager's Journal on Information Technology, 7(4), 1-10 https://doi.org/10.26634/jit.7.4.15071

Abstract

Since Africa faces a growing pressure of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in the light of commercial investments, one of the predicaments the continent still struggles with is a lucrative "business" that has caught the attention of organized crime groups in a number of countries. This profitable business called software piracy is by definition one of the most common types of computer crimes. Its exact impact is hard to quantify, but there is no doubt that this trend has been increasing everywhere in the world. However, Africa is the continent that counts several developing countries that are not presently operating service economies; consequently, there is no shame concomitant with downloading, purchasing, or selling pirated software products. Thus far, there are many reasons provided by various knowledge bases to why software piracy happens; this paper, however discussed four causal factors of software piracy in the Sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasises on their dynamics identified to be crucial in encouraging this sordid behaviour in this particular sub-region of the globe. In addition, this paper argues the major issues surrounding this topic and suggests a way forward towards an anti-piracy continent.