Forum on ICTs, Trade and Economic Growth “excellent starting point”, as delegates look towards future

Addis Ababa, 17 March 2006 -The Forum on Information and Communication Technologies, Trade and Economic Growth, hosted by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), concluded Thursday 16 March with recommendations on developing the policy, legal and regulatory frameworks; accelerating skills development; and ensuring the security of electronic transactions.

In her concluding remarks at the Forum, Ms. Aida Opoku-Mensah, the acting head of ECA’s Development Services Management Division (DISD), said holding the Forum gave an opportunity to member States to share experiences and give their input to initiatives being developed at ECA. She outlined future initiatives by ECA and ePol-Net, which include the creation of an e-business online community, where participants can exchange information on activities and e-business initiatives. The expected launch date of this online community is the week of 20 March 2006.

Ms Opoku-Mensah added that ECA and ePol-Net are planning a series of capacity building activities aimed at African stakeholders as recommended by the Forum. The activities will help develop an environment conducive to e-commerce development. She emphasized the role of the private sector, saying they “constitute a powerful engine in the ability of countries to roll out strategies”.

Mr. Richard Bourassa of Industry Canada said of the Forum is “not an end in itself, but rather an excellent starting point”, adding that he expected action on the ground in the short term, preferably within the year. He thanked ECA and partners for organizing the Forum.

Pierre Ouedraogo of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie reaffirmed his appreciation for what was achieved by the Forum.

Among the major themes of the recommendations, participants highlighted the role of the private sector in creating an appropriate e-commerce environment at the country and regional level. Additionally, the Regional Economic Commissions were singled out for the role in working with stakeholders at the regional level. Participants also emphasized cyber-security, and the need for proactive cyber-security legislation, while calling for a special role and consideration for youth and women in the role-out of any initiatives.

Background
The Forum was hosted by ECA, under the auspices of the Africa Node of the Global ePolicy Resource Network (ePol-NET) and in partnership with the Canadian ePolicy Resource Centre (CePRC). It was held from 14-16 March 2006 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was also supported by the Organization International de la Francophonie (OIF), the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Geselleschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).

About 100 delegates, from ICT sectors, banks, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, youth and women’s associations, civil society, and international organizations, gathered at the Forum.

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