ADF '99 themes

Strengthening Africa's information infrastructure

Infrastructure development is the sine qua non for Africa's entry into the information age. Areas of concentration include rural telecommunications development, use of new wireless and cable technologies to ensure connectivity, ensuring enabling policy and regulatory framework development and human resource development. The African Ministers of Communication African Connection will be a special focus.

Africa and the information economy

This is the area which has been least developed to date in implementation of the AISI, but the one which has the greatest development potential for the African region. The Forum will identify areas and sectors conducive to African employment and job creation opportunities and consider the prerequisites necessary for African to enter the information economy in a significant way. Electronic commerce development will be a major consideration.

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) for improved governance

ICTs have great potential for improved governance, particularly for the participation of civil society in political debate. For the first time there is clear opportunity for individuals and populations living outside the centre to make their views heard. ICTs also bring the possibilities for governments to be able to reach their citizens in remote locations and serve them in the same way as those living in capital cities. The role of the media using new technologies for improved governance will be stressed.

Democratisating access to the information society

Equity concers figure prominently in discussions of the introduction of ICTs in Africa. The worst possible scenario surrounding the introduction of ICTs in Africa is the creation of an information elite and the exacerbation of gaps between social classes. African planners must make deliberate policy to reach those who previously have been isolated from information, from services and from civil participation. Amonog the beneficiaries, particular attention will be paid to women in Africa as users of these tools.

ECA will prepare policy position papers on these themes, emphasizing Member States exemplifing best practices in these areas.

Areas of Special Emphasis

In addition to the above noted policy areas, ADF '99 will also place special emphasis on:

the importance of regional efforts and regional cooperation in the face of globalisation and the information age.

	the role of the African diaspora in improving Africa's competitive position.
	the role of youth in moving Africa into the information age.

ADF '99 will feature special panels and programmes on these topics.