Provide two (2) illustrations that show how you think the way our Zambian society works with information and how it may be affecting opportunity identification and exploitation.

Answer 1

Illustration 1:
In Zambia, traditional information dissemination is heavily reliant on word-of-mouth communication and community networks. Information flows predominantly through interpersonal relationships and local gatherings. This means that individuals who are not well connected or do not have access to these networks may face limited opportunities for identifying and exploiting potential chances. For instance, imagine a talented young entrepreneur from a rural area who develops a unique product but lacks the social capital to promote it effectively. Without exposure to wider networks or access to information hubs, their product may remain unknown and its potential untapped.

Illustration 2:
Zambia has limited internet penetration, especially in rural areas where access to information and technology lags. This digital divide hinders opportunity identification and exploitation, particularly in sectors that rely on digital literacy and technology. Consider a young Zambian who aspires to harness the potential of e-commerce but lacks the necessary skills and access to online platforms due to limited internet connectivity. In such a case, the individual would face significant barriers to identifying and exploiting opportunities available in the digital economy.

Overall, these illustrations highlight how the current information ecosystem in Zambia, with its reliance on traditional networks and limited internet penetration, can hamper individuals' ability to identify and exploit opportunities, perpetuating disparities in socio-economic development.