The paper starts with an exploration of knowledge management which focuses on
the knowledge pyramid concept. The successful management of the transition from
an agricultural to a knowledge based society, it is argued, should go beyond
formulating information communication technology policies to include knowledge
management policies as well. The contribution of information and knowledge
systems in six key sectors of the national economy is described as vital to kick
start the revival and reconstruction of Africa. The sectors identified are:
poverty eradication and wealth generation, transfer of technologies and
innovations, education sector, agricultural sector, small, medium and micro
enterprises, and health sector. The new era of knowledge management challenges
information specialists to
reinvent and reposition themselves as infomediaries and knowledge managers who
can manage efficiently the process of converting data and information into
knowledge for development.