It was announced that African Communications Ministers have met and developed a plan aiming at making 50 million lines availabl

Plenary Session One: The Impact of Global Connectivity on Africa's Development

It was announced that African Communications Ministers have met and developed a plan aiming at making 50 million lines available within the next five years. The fact that the ministers set this goal themselves was indicative of their recognition to promote "ownership" of the initiative, and would go a long way to support the goals of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI). It was also noted that ECA was willing to provide a regular forum for Communications ministers to meet and move their agenda forward.

The need for regional cooperation was highlighted, with the session dwelling on the possibility of better-off countries providing assistance to those who have fewer resources at their disposal.

The point was hammered home repeatedly that that it was not technical or financial constraints that were hampering progress, but rather commitment, or political will, at the highest governmental level. If governments were not willing to devote 10% of the national budget towards enhancing information technology in their countries, it was argued, then these countries would be seen as lacking seriousness.

The session recognized that investments in human resources -- involving capacity building for millions of people -- were essential, along with a fundamental shift in culture.

The role of partnership, with particular reference to the private sector, was given particular emphasis, with recommendations being made for changes in such areas as tariffs. Countries should prioritize universal access.