The Digital Divide: Exploring Technology Access In Afghanistan

Yes, there are computers in Afghanistan. In fact, Afghanistan has a growing technology sector, with computers and the internet being used for educational purposes at institutions such as Kabul Medical University. The country also has its own computer manufacturer, Blue Sonic, which is based in Kabul and manufactures and assembles computers, phones, and other devices. Additionally, video games are a popular form of entertainment in Afghanistan, with many users playing for more than an hour a day on their computers or mobile phones.

Computer games are popular in Afghanistan, with people playing for over an hour a day on average

The country's gaming culture began with the introduction of Atari consoles after the war, with later generations of consoles such as Nintendo and Sega also entering the market. By the end of the 1970s, personal computer games had become familiar to most young Afghans. The appeal of this new medium, along with the growing influence of technology, has made computer games widely popular.

The most popular genres among Afghans include first-person shooters, strategy, driving, and adventure games. Famous series such as GTA, Call of Duty, FIFA, Need for Speed, and Tomb Raider are well-loved by Afghan players, particularly the younger generation.

In recent years, the development of Android-based games has accelerated in Afghanistan, with a growing number of mobile gamers in the country. Over 80% of computer gaming audiences in Afghanistan play games on their phones, which is significantly higher than the world average of 52%. This shift towards mobile gaming has led to the emergence of Afghan game development companies, creating localized games that resonate with the native audience.

While the gaming industry in Afghanistan faces challenges due to a lack of legal and financial support, the country's rich history and culture provide a wealth of potential content for future games.

The first computer game experience for many Afghans was the Atari console

The Atari console was first released in 1977 as the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), and it quickly became popular in North America. Atari's success in creating arcade video games drove the company to seek a programmable home system, and the Atari VCS was the result. It was a home video game console that used swappable ROM cartridges, and it was marketed as a cheaper alternative to computers for playing video games.

The Atari VCS was particularly successful in Afghanistan, where it was among the first computer games to enter the country after the war. For many Afghans, the Atari console was their first experience with computer games. The console's low cost and wide distribution made it accessible to a large number of people, and its games provided a form of entertainment that was new and exciting.

The Atari VCS was followed by later generations of consoles such as the Nintendo and Sega, which also gained popularity in Afghanistan. However, by the end of the 1970s, personal computer video games had also become familiar to most young Afghans, and the country's large youth population and increasing influence of technology made these games widely popular as well.

Today, Afghanistan has a thriving computer game industry, with a large market for both foreign and domestic games. While the country's share of the global game capital is not high, the popularity of computer games and the potential for growth are undeniable.

Blue Sonic is Afghanistan's first computer manufacturer, founded by Syed Hashmi

Blue Sonic is Afghanistan's first computer manufacturer, founded by Syed (or Syed Hashimi) Hashmi, an expatriate Afghan. Based in Kabul, the company has an assembly line and a showroom. Blue Sonic manufactures some computer components in Afghanistan and assembles complete computers, phones, and other household devices within the country.

Syed Hashmi, the CEO of Blue Sonic, expressed his optimism about his business in Afghanistan, as there is no competition in his area. He also noted that 60% of Afghanistan's population is youth, which provides a good demographic for starting a business in the country.

Syed further stated his motivation for starting Blue Sonic: "Being a human, and the humans are all the same, why the rest of the world have all these services? Why not Afghanistan? As an Afghan, for me, whatever I have done in Canada or another part of the world, I want to bring those all good things to Afghanistan."

Blue Sonic's computer equipment and accessories meet international standards and are growing in popularity in the country, among both the private and public sectors. The company has plans to expand its manufacturing and shops throughout Afghanistan.

The KEIHAN Foundation has donated 20 computers to Kabul Medical University

The KEIHAN Foundation has generously donated 20 computers to Kabul Medical University (KMU) in Afghanistan. This donation is part of the foundation's Anatomy Teaching Innovation Program, which aims to enhance medical education at the university.

The computers will be used to establish a media library with internet access, providing a range of web-based learning and reference programs for students, tutors, physicians, and other medical staff. This initiative will improve access to educational resources and enable KMU to strengthen its relationships and collaboration with other medical faculties in Afghanistan.

The KEIHAN Foundation's donation is a significant contribution to KMU's efforts to provide high-quality medical training that meets the workforce needs of the country. It is also a step towards utilizing technology to improve education and patient care in Afghanistan.

Kabul Medical University, located in Kabul, is one of the top medical schools in Afghanistan. It was established in 1932 and has a rich history of providing medical education to its students. KMU offers a range of programs, including Curative Medicine, Pediatric, Stomatology, Dental, and Nursing. The university has also added new departments in recent years, such as Medical Technology and Anesthesia.

The university's collaboration with international institutions, such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has helped rebuild its library and provide scholarships and updated medical technology. KMU is committed to innovation and excellence in medical education, and the KEIHAN Foundation's donation will undoubtedly support these efforts.

Mobile phones are used by most computer gamers in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a large market for computer games, with a significant proportion of its young population playing them. In fact, more than 80% of computer gamers in Afghanistan play on their phones. This is much higher than the world average of 52%.

The country has an estimated 18 million mobile phone users, with a range of telecom companies providing services, including Afghan Telecom, Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, MTN, Roshan, and Salaam. Mobile phones are easily accessible in Afghanistan, with various brands available, such as Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Motorola, Asus, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.

The popularity of mobile gaming in Afghanistan can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, smartphones, especially Android phones, have a high penetration rate in the country. Secondly, mobile games tend to be more affordable than original or illegal versions of games for other platforms. Additionally, mobile games offer convenience, as they can be played anywhere and fit better into the busy schedules of smartphone users.

The rise of mobile gaming in Afghanistan has also led to the emergence of local game development. Afghan game developers are creating games based on Afghan stories and cultural contexts, such as strategy and role-playing games. This trend is expected to grow with improving conditions and cultural acceptance. Additionally, the establishment of Afghanistan's first computer manufacturer, Blue Sonic, is expected to further contribute to the growth of the gaming industry in the country.

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