In 2000, Zambia, under the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, and through support from the ECA, engaged two local consultants that developed a draft ICT policy working document for discussion at a consultative meeting that was held in March 2001. The document articulates the need for Zambia to emerge with broad-based information society policy with emphasis on the development of physical infrastructure, promotion of universal access, human resources development, by launching electronic government, the development of ICT sector and creation of jobs, harnessing ICTs by SMEs particularly the electronic commerce and the promotion of applications in education, environment, livelihood and health. The consultation workshop provided a number of key recommendations and action plans. A steering committee was extended to cover broad-based constituencies to move the policy process forward. Action plans were identified as a follow up to the policy process.

It was noted that Zambia should develop bold strategies for taping into global resources and for integrating ICTs into its upcoming development plan. Long term strategies that were suggested include setting up a government Intranet within the framework of public sector reform, developing a comprehensive school networking project that covers primary, secondary and tertiary education, integrating curriculum development, networking, library content building and teacher education. Capacity building for regulators and judiciary is noted as crucial in order to meet the growing challenges of universal and rural access, pricing, interconnection, resources management, and issues such as intellectual property rights, digital signature and negotiations at the global levels. ICT research, development of centres of excellence and building the capacities of universities in Zambia were among other suggested areas of action. Zambia intends to embark on electronic commerce policy and lunching catalytic projects in key areas identified during the consultative workshops.

In order to assist developing countries in articulating their demand for ICT applications, the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) facilitated National ICT Roundtables. The Roundtables focus on the identification, development and implementation of an ICT policy and of pilot projects. A National ICT Roundtable was held in Lusaka, Zambia, on November 5-11, 1998. The workshop was co-ordinated by the dominant Internet Service Provider in Zambia, ZAMNET Communications Ltd., with support of the Ministry of Communication and Transport. As a result from the Roundtable workshop, the following recommendations were made by the participants:

• Continuity and co-ordination of ICT policy which will allow the integration as well as ensure sustainable development;

• ICT policy should provide for adequate training and capacity building; and

• ICT policy implementations should be supported by public awareness activities and activities that encourage public participation.

The following five project ideas emanated from the Roundtable:

1. Local Governance Information Centres: This project aims to support the overall objective of increasing civic awareness of governance issues and policies, and to improve community participation in decision-making.

2. Business Information Centre: This project proposes to use ICT for the dissemination of information to subsistence farmers and small business entrepreneurs.

3. Distance Learning Centres: These centres will strive to provide distance education at rural centres and cyber-cafes.

4. Hospital Information Management System: This project aims to create an ICT management and monitoring system. The system will electronically store and retrieve information on patients, records the deployment of hospital personnel, and on use of drugs.

5. Water Sanitation Information System: The project will contribute to the education of communities on the use of appropriate water sanitation.

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