Address

by K.Y. Amoako,
Executive Secretary,
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Addis Ababa, 13 May 2003

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure and honour to be part of the launch of the African node of the Global e-Policy Resource Network (ePol-Net), {formally known as the International electronic Development Resource Network (IeDRN).} This initiative is part of a larger effort led by the Canadian Government and other bilateral partners to enable Africa to expand the use and benefits of ICTs within the context of implementing the G8 African Action Plan. However, this initiative between ECA and Canada is nothing new. Indeed, our collaboration in the field of development information goes back some 25 years. Canada through the International Development Research Centre worked with us to create The Pan African Development Information System (PADIS) to facilitate communications on development information and to improve utilization of data bases in Africa.

Our Canadian partners also played a key role on the Building Capacities for Electronic Communication in Africa project that installed electronic networks in many countries.

And thereafter, Canada' Acacia Initiative was launched, based on the African Information Society Initiative, the continental framework for ICT for development, which guides the programme for ECA's work in this exciting field.

In light of all this, ECA's current role as the African regional node of the Global e-Policy Resource Network clearly represents the continuation of a unique partnership.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

This initiative comes at a time when many countries are in the process of formulating, and a few, are finalizing the implementation of their national e-strategies and plans.

Undoubtedly, the Global e-Policy Resource Network will support demands from African institutions and individuals, seeking e-strategy expertise, guidance and advice.

I therefore, urge delegates from our Member States and all African information specialists attending CODI to very carefully consider the benefits they can derive from the e-Policy Resource Network to enable more effective implementation of their ICT strategies and plans.

Finally, permit me to thank Ambassador Rosaline Murray, the Government of Canada, Industry Canada, the Canada Fund for Africa, as well as the IDRC for their commitment to building digital opportunities in Africa. Your presence here this week to participate in the CODI deliberations is also greatly appreciated.

I hope that our partnership will continue to grow and that the e-Policy Resource Network will be successful in its bid to strengthen the development of an information society in Africa.

Thank-you and enjoy the evening.