The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland last week approved
the NICI policy, submitted to Cabinet by the Minister of
Tourism, Environment & Communications, Ms Thandi F.
Shongwe.
The NICI process started in May 2004, when the Government
requested technical and financial support from ECA to develop
an inclusive National Information and Communication Infrastructure
Policy and plan for the country to address the following specific
objectives amongst others: 1) increase the national consciousness
about the role and potential of ICTs for sustainable development;
2) chart a roadmap for ICT development in the country and
define the roles and responsibilities of different players
in the development of the ICT sector whilst mainstreaming
gender in the development and implementation of all ICT programmes;
3) facilitate the deployment, expansion, rehabilitation and
modernization of the national information and communications
infrastructure; 4) provide universal access to information
for all citizens in order to improve the quality of life through
inclusive access to education, science and technology, health,
culture, entertainment and many other important aspects of
human nature.
In approving the NICI, the Cabinet noted that consideration
be given “to streamlining all issues dealing with
Information Technology, Telecommunications and Broadcasting
Services under one Ministry”, to support the implementation
of the policy. Already the government has intensified the
promotion of ICT programmes and through the assistance of
UNDP introduced ICT centres to the rural areas.
