Introduction to the discussion from September 27

Introduction to the discussion from September 27 - October 3

The role of the private sector in moving Africa into the Information Age

Dear Listees,

The last two weeks we've been discussing the roles of various stakeholders (the African diaspora, women and youth) in using, promoting and benefiting from information and communication technologies in Africa. This week let's add another stakeholder: the private sector, being both the multi-national private sector but also the burgeoning African domestic private sector. What is happening out there with these groups? What roles are there for them in accelerating the use of ICT's in Africa? What is unique to the African situation for the private sector in this area?

By the way, for the Forum Prof. Derrick Cogburn of U Michigan and the Global Information Infrastructure Commission is organizing a private sector focus group that will take part and give feedback as well.

And Happy Meskel, for those of you who know the Ethiopian Holiday (Finding of the True Cross) that we're celebrating today.

Nancy Hafkin, ECA
hafkin.uneca@un.org or
nhafkin@hotmail.com

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