http://www1.uneca.org/ArticleDetail/tabid/3018/ArticleId/1538/e-SADC-Initiative-Approved-by-ICT-Ministers.aspx 1/1
e-SADC Initiative Approved by ICT Ministers
13 May 2010, Luanda, Angola - SADC Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT have approved the e- SADC Strategy Framework for the SADC region in Luanda, Angola today the 13th of May 2010.
The strategy, which is being developed by SADC in cooperation with ECA´s subregional office for Southern Africa and the ICT, Science and Technology Division (ISTD) aims to harness ICT for socio-economic development and regional integration. In addition, the e-SADC Initiative is part of the SADC-UNECA multi-year programme.
The strategy addresses convergence challenges and harmonization of ICT infrastructure, services and indicators as well as the promotion of ICT for regional economic integration and access to ICT services among and within member States.
The SADC Secretariat thanked ECA for spear-heading this initiative which is supported through the ECA-Finland Cooperation programme on ICT Development in Africa.
Ms Jennifer Kargbo, ECA SRO-SA Director stated at the Senior Officials meeting of SADC ICT Ministers that “The initiative serves as a landmark programme between SADC and ECA in using ICT for regional integration as well as providing the basis for building a viable ICT industry within the SADC region”.
The initiative complements a number of ICT initiatives underway in the SADC region including the SADC Regional Information Infrastructure (SRII) as well as other ICT Policy and Regulatory Frameworks in place. The next step will be the development and roll out of a plan to implement strategy activities including the launching of e-applications (e-government, e-commerce) and trade in IT services.
For more information, please contact: Sizo Mhlanga ([email protected])
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