Harnessing INformation for Development

Overview
It is widely recognized that without embracing information and communications technologies (ICT), the development gap between Africa and the rest of the world will continue to expand. Information and knowledge have increasingly become essential resources and raw materials in the global networked economy. Africa can exploit these technologies to become fully integrated into the global economy and accelerate socio-economic development. The ICT Team is primarily responsible for implementing the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) and develops practical strategies and programs that will help lead Africa towards the realization of digital inclusion. Click here for more about the ICT Team.

:: Forthcoming Events
		Atelier sur les Technologies de l’ information et de la communication (TIC), le cyber-gouvernement et le genre En réponse aux possibilités et aux défis offerts par l’ère de l’information, la Commission économique pour l’Afrique (CEA) a initié un cadre d’action pour l’Initiative Société de l’Information en Afrique (AISI). L’objectif fondamental de l’AISI est de mettre en place un cadre permettant à l’Afrique de combler les lacunes qui existent entre le continent et le reste du monde en matière d’accès aux TICs et de faciliter son intégration dans l’ère de l’information...suivi>> Clickez-ici pour le site web de l'atelier
:: Publications
		ECA@WSIS: A report on ECA activities during the World Summit on the Information Society On 21 December 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 56/183 on the organization of a World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), recognizing “the urgent need to harness the potential of knowledge and technology for promoting the goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, and to find effective and innovative ways to put this potential at the service of development for all”...more>>
:: Highlights
		Meeting on follow-up to e-Trade Conference 29-30 May 2006 Growth This 2-day meeting will bring experts on trade, ICTs and economic growth to agree on a actions to be taken up following the recommendations of the conference that was held in March 2006. Click here for more on the e-trade forum follow-up meeting.
		Forum on ICT, Trade and Economic Growth The Economic Commission for Africa will be hosting a forum on Information and Communication Technologies and their impact on Trade and Economic Growth next week under the auspices of the African Node of the Global ePolicy Resource Network (ePol-NET) supported by the Government of Canada . Approximately 100 delegates working in the field of ICTs and Trade are expected to attend. Click here to visit the e-Trade forum website.
		The African Regional Preparatory Conference for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) The African Regional Preparatory Conference for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) will be held from 2 to 4 February 2005 in Accra, Ghana. The theme for the conference is: Access, Africa's key to an inclusive Information Society. The conference will be preceded by pre-Conference workshops from 28 January to 1 February 2005. Click here for more

:: Most Requested Resources
	NICI Graphs Want to know what countries have adopted NICI plans and how they have formulated policies to address the digital divide? Monitor the progress of NICI strategies using this interactive map. Click here for more.
	Database of African Experts Are you looking for an African Expert to assist you with your research or development needs? Use the Information Technology Center's database of African Experts to find the right professionals to help you. Click here to start your search.
	e-Strategies ECA working in partnership with key partners has asssisted over 28 African Countries to develop ICT national strategies for accelerating their socio-economic development and is also working with a number of these countries to embark on implementation. To find our more about these strategies, Click here.
	e-Discussions: Africa Speaks The creation and facilitation of specific online discussion fora to effect interactive communication between various stakeholders on the continent is one of the major activities of the AISI.Several lists have been established in the past and new ones will be created in the future to facilitate the collaborative work of groups involved in the implementation of AISI. Click here for more.
	Internet Health Resources This portal contains informative and relevant sites on HIV/AIDS and other health and medical issues.Click here for more.
	Virtual Learning Academy (vLAC) ITCA is pleased to announce the inauguration of vLAC, our web based e-learning system launched within the framework of the African Information Society Initiative. The curriculum has been designed to extend basic ICT awareness training (which is currently provided at UNCC, Addis Ababa, only) to constituents and key stakeholders throughout the region.