This was the topic of a debate at the e-Learning Africa 2010 conference in Lusaka in May.
A report on the debate can found at: http://www.elearning-africa.com/newsportal/english/news255.php
I suggest that this be read in conjunction with:
Reisberg, L. (2010) Challenges for African University Leadership Inside Higher Education, July 28
Reading these two papers, I felt a strong urge to be back in university teaching with an online class of international students, including students from Africa, debating this issue – or even more so, working with Africans in Africa to try and tackle the challenges being faced there.