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ECA and CTIC agree to collaborate on the promotion of ICTs in Africa
ECA Press Release No. 48/2010 Addis Ababa, 23 June 2010 (ECA) - Addis Ababa, 23 June 2010-ECA- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the CTIC-a Spanish private non profit entity-signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday, outlining joint activities that would enhance the entry of Africa into the global information society.
The UN Under Secretary-General and ECA Executive Secretary Mr. Abdoulie Janneh who chaired the signing ceremony stated that: ‘’Africa embraces the use of ICT to underpin its development efforts’’. We are looking at how we can engage Spain more, Mr.
Janneh added.
The MOU provides that ECA and CTIC will join efforts to ‘’promote digital literacy through training and connectivity,
particularly in rural areas and avail public administration e-services’’.
By the terms of the agreement, the two partner institutions will also collaborate in providing technical expertise on Open Government Data for the improvement of African public administrations efficiency.
Another key area of focus of the signed agreement is the knowledge transfer for ICT-based innovation. ECA and CTIC will seek to create an environment where talented young African academics and engineers would develop technological ideas, solutions tools and innovations.
The Ambassador of Spain in Ethiopia, Mr. Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar reiterated the strong commitment of his country to Africa on ICTs. He added that the “MOU between ECA and CTIC opens a new chapter of cooperation with Spain’’.
The signing of the MOU between ECA and CTIC took place on the eve of the second Science with Africa Conference which is being convened from 23rd to 25th June 2010 in Addis Ababa under the theme: ‘’Science, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’’
Issued by:
ECA Information and Communication Service P.O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Tel: 251 11 5445098 Fax: +251-11-551 03 65 E-mail: ecainfo@uneca.org
Web: www.uneca.org
