This article by R. D. Colle (Cornell University, USA) argues that Universities and community telecenters have somewhat parallel missions in society. These include the generation, storage and diffusion of knowledge and information. Yet, in most developing countries where telecenters strive to be demand-driven, universities are seldom perceived as relevant to telecenters sustainability. Focusing especially on Africa this paper examines the mutual benefits that universities and telecenters could gain from a stronger relationship.