Transcript Towards an African Information Society
FROM WITFOR to WSIS TUNIS
Prof. Nadia Hegazi Senior Expert For International Relations Ministry Of Telecommunications And Information Technology
The Main Concern is:
To create and activate the knowledge economy focused on extending Internet connectivity in the African states and the developing countries
To generate growth through translating connectivity into economic activities stimulating services, applications and content that create new markets and reduce costs and eventually increase productivity throughout the economy.
Collaborate previous efforts and presenting guidelines for critical areas
Aspects of the African Information Society
Capacity Building, human resource development, education and training.
E-Government and serving the citizens.
Cultural Diversity and Supporting Multilingual Content.
Aspects of African Information Society Cont’d
Building a regional information infrastructure and info-structure
Trade, Commerce, research and development and Piracy in ICT.
Security Issues.
The opportunity
The information society is an excellent chance for :
Developing other sectors
Developing an ICT sector by itself
Socio economic development
SOLIDARITY
Solidarity in our
Thinking
Solidarity of our
Markets
Solidarity of our
Finance
The WSIS and Africa
The WSIS has had consensus on all point relevant to the requirements of the west
All the issues relevant to Africa and developing countries were deferred to Tunis
ISSUES THAT NEED FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
FUNDING INTERNET GOVERNANCE FOLLOWUP MECHANISMS
BEST PRACTICES
DEBT SWAPPING EG WHAT HAPPENED IN EGYPT
FOLLOW UP
WE SHOULD USE OUR OWN INSTITUTES EG E-AFRICA COMMISSION AND ECA
WITFOR WORKS ON SETTING THE SCENE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Urgency of Regional Integration
Creating Regional Network:
This network is based on centers to transfer data, and focal Internet exchanges in the region. Such centers are the corner stones and base of this network.
Data centers and exchanges require fast connecting lines of fiber optics to link such points together.
Urgency of Regional Integration
Regional integration is believed to be an essential condition to cut down on the cost of ICT services and provide better security
Urgency of Regional Integration: Cont’d
This regional network is connected, on one hand, with corresponding ones in other regions (such as Europe, Asia, and others)
On the other hand, this network is connected with national networks of the region.
Building a Regional Information Infrastructure and Info-structure
Bulk purchase of International bandwidth to reduce cost of internet connectivity to the international backbone through coordination with the e-Africa commission.
Establishing own data centers or will set peering agreements with the existing data centers in the region, thus preventing regional communication from passing into other regions
SOLIDARITY
Pooling our money is one thing
Pooling our Resources
1-Training resources South –South
2-pooling our expertise
3-integrating our markets
4-Chances for Job Creation
TRADE AND COMMERCE IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY
The implementation of a regional root Certificate of Authority (CoA);
Multilateral and/or bilateral agreements on electronic commerce and trade;
WHAT DO WE WANT FROM THE TUNIS PHASE
Do we want declarations??????
No
Do we have to wait till Tunis for projects
Why
????????
WHAT SHOULD WE DO
Start our work from now
WE MEET NEXT TIME WITH ACTION IN PLACE
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION
www.mcit.gov.eg