Dear all, Welcome to the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor regular fortnightly updates. Here you will find a selection of the latest additions on the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website chosen by our editors including: - News - Information - Resources - Upcoming Events - Featured Organizations To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes, get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public or send an email to <africa.rights@apc.org> Also do send us your comments or feedback about the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website. Kind Regards, Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// NEWS * South Africa: ICT Charter document released <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=28005> 09/11/2004 (Damian Clarkson and Itumeleng Mogaki - ITWeb) -- ICT Charter Working group chairman Dali Mpofu today unveiled the final document of the ICT Charter, which features a number of changes to the scorecard and ownership issues. The South African Empowerment Charter for the ICT Sector is an industry-driven document being put together by major stakeholders in the ICT sector. * Ghana: Fund for Communications Dev't established <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=28007> 09/11/2004 (GNA - GhanaWeb) -- Ghana on Tuesday initiated its programme to extend communications facilities to the rural communities following the launch of the Ghana Investment Fund for Communication Development (GIFTEL). The programme aims at accelerating the development of the rural communities where such facilities were generally limited. * Kenya: Licencing of Internet operators is opposed <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27915> 08/11/2004 (Alari Alare - East African Standard) -- Triple A Capital, a debt collector operating in Kenya, has filed an objection to the planned liberalisation of the Internet backbone and Commercial VSAT market in Kenya. * Nigeria to Grant Mobile Licences in 2006 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27916> 08/11/2004 (Shina Badaru - Technology Times) -- Additional mobile cellular operators are to be issued licences after the five-year exclusive market operation granted the Nigerian mobile cellular sector expires February 2006. * Mozambique: TDM's MD Adriano wants a new interconnect agreement <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27914> 07/11/2004 (Russell Southwood - Balancing Act) -- For most telecoms incumbents the interconnection agreement with other carriers is usually made on terms that they broadly find acceptable. But according to Mozambique Telecom Operator - TDM's Managing Director Salvador Adriano, TDM finds itself in the unusual position of being at a complete disadvantage from this key agreement. * South Africa: Four telecom licences issued <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27903> 05/11/2004 (SAPA - Sunday Times Online) -- The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has issued four telecommunications licences for under-serviced areas following two years of negotiations between the applicants, ICASA and the Department of Communications. * Kenya: Govt lack of support hampers growth of ICT industry <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27769> 04/11/2004 (Dennis Mabuka - Kenya Times) -- A visiting official of the World Information Technologies Association (WISTA) has said lack of government support is hampering the growth of ICT sector in the country.He was speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya when he launched the Digital Planet-2004, a biannual reference publication outlining the state of the global ICT industry. * Nigeria Targets New 10 Million Phone Lines by 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27910> 04/11/2004 (NCC) -- At opening of the 3rd Nigeria Telecom Summit, the Nigerian Communications Commission executive key address called for “Connecting the Next Ten Million People in Nigeria”. In addition to this, four other papers which addressed the central theme of customer satisfaction were presented and discussed at various sessions. * ICT Policy workshop identify critical issue to address universal access <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ne_1&x=27919> 03/11/2004 (Jummai Umar - APC) -- At a workshop on ICT policy held in Uganda, key stakeholders identified critical ICT policy issues that require advocacy in relation to universal access. Some of the issues addressed in Uganda are the kinds of challenges the partipants are likely to face in the field at home. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// INFORMATION * National ICT Policies Making in Africa: Implications for Civil Society Organizations <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28012> 10/11/2004 -- The emerging information society and the surfacing of the “digital divide” on global policy agenda has led to a considerable interest in ICT for development particularly in Africa. Efforts were underway to promote sector reform and improve ICT use in Africa for a while, but the enthusiasm over the potential of ICTs to combat poverty is a recent phenomenon. This was partly driven by G-8 countries and the United Nations. * Gender and Information Communication Technologies <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28003> 09/11/2004 -- Women make 52% of Zimbabwe’s population. They are both vectors and agents of change and thus have legitimate rights to self-expression and equal access to an information society that is relevant and affordable to all sectors of the population. However, it is common knowledge that technology has always bypassed women. Why is this the case? One reason identified by research is the fact that gender issues are rarely considered in policy-making and programme design . * Whose Information Society? <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28011> 09/11/2004 -- For civil society organizations involved with the first phase of the WSIS it has been an extraordinarily intense process that highlighted major fault-lines in global debate on the human communications environment. An enormous amount of email traffic has been exchanged daily by leading civil society organizations in the communications field over more than 18 months. This has been punctuated by meetings where working relations developed, differences were debated and consensus positions articulated. * Communication Rights and the Internet <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28010> 09/11/2004 -- This paper is based on a presentation made to a conference on “Media Freedom and the Internet” organized in Amsterdam, 27-28 August 2004, by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. * Concept paper on ICT and intellectual property in Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=27984> 09/11/2004 -- This concept paper was written as an introduction to a discussion on intellectual property rights and ICT in Africa by the Research ICT Africa network. * Kenya: Draft National ICT Policy (Sept 2003) <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28027> 09/11/2004 -- This Policy Paper on ICT covers five major areas namely; the situation analysis of ICT in the country; the challenges of applying ICT to achieve overall development goals and objectives; the proposed policy direction guiding ICT diffusion and utilization; institutional framework; and the implementation framework of the ICT Policy in Kenya. * Zimbabwe National E-Strategies and Policy Process <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=28004> 10/11/2004 -- EKOWISA made a joint effort with UNIFEM to host a workshop on "Zimbabwe National ICT Strategy and Policy Process Workshop". The workshop objective was to contribute ideas and information from a gender perspective that should be incorporated in the drafting of the National ICT Strategies and Policy. The Government of Zimbabwe together with the UNDP are working on a National ICT Policy Project to come up with a national strategy and policy on ICTs. Here are the workshop reports and summary of presentations. * New Report: Profitable Universal Access Providers <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=27523> 29/10/2004 -- The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) has commissioned this feasibility study aimed at studying the viability of providing rural, low income, areas in developing countries with communications services. The study has explored innovative use of GSM technology and evaluated the financial viability of self-sustained Micro Telephone Operators serving rural areas. * Open and Distance Learning in SubSaharan Africa – A Literature Survey on Policy and Practice <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=27720> 02/11/2004 -- This document outlines the issues present in sub-Saharan Africa today that must be addressed in order to advance the development of distance education practices particulary in relation to anglophone Africa. *Internet censorship reports 2003: Africa http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21861s22175e_1&x=28038 10/11/2004 -- This report on internet censorship in Africa formed part of a global study entitled: 'Silenced: Censorship and Control of the Internet' in 2003. We have also included other report also covering other countries such as Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. * African Participation in WSIS: Review and discussion paper http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21879s22175e_1&x=28076 10/11/2004 -- This paper presents a review of African participation in the first phase WSIS process (i.e. the Geneva summit held in December 2003 and the preparatory process leading up to it). It is not intended as a comprehensive analysis, but to stimulate discussion about ways in which African participation - particularly that of African civil society - can be more effectively structured during the second phase of the summit. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// RESOURCES * How to set up a Computer Refurbishment Centre in Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=27998> How to Set Up and Operate a Successful Computer Refurbishment Centre in Africa: A Planning and Management Guide" is the result of a study undertaken by bridges.org in early 2004, which examined the methods and strategies of the computer refurbishment industry, focusing on Africa. This guide describes the steps involved in opening a computer refurbishment centre in Africa and managing it into productivity. Produced by: Bridges * Time To Get Online - Simple Steps to Success on the Internet <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=27575> The 150-page "Time To Get Online" materials are centered around the five essential "steps to success on the Internet". The first half of the materials is geared towards creating internet-savvyactivists. The second half will help them to become effective Internet champions, capable of leading their organizations through the challenging process of integrating the Internet into everything they do. The Appendices and accompanying CD-ROM (print version only) contain a wealth of additional resources for continued learning, freely distributable computer software and more. Produced by: Kabissa //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// UPCOMING EVENTS *13/11/2004*, South Africa SACOD Communication for Development Forum 2004 <http://www.biz-community.com/Event.aspx?c=15&l=196&ei=1650> The two-day workshop programme will comprise of presentations by experts in the field of ICTs, as well as plenary and screening of videos. *15/11/2004*, Nigeria Integrating IT into West Africa’s Banking & Financial Services Business Model <http://www.aitecafrica.com/events/2004/Finance-IT-WestAfrica/index.htm> The continent’s banking sector has a crucial role to play in developing Africa’s participation in the global e-commerce market. In addition, with increased levels of competition in the banking and financial services sector it is vital for IT professionals and managers in financial institutions to be fully informed of latest technological and strategic developments. AITEC is hosting Finance-IT West Africa as a platform to educate and inform professionals and managers about e-commerce. *17/11/2004*, Tanzania East Africa eGovernemnt Forum - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=27773> The East Africa eGovernemnt Forum intends to examine, consolidate, share views and extend the existing consensus in East Africa regarding the strategic priorities for eGovernment, demonstrating where East African countries currently stand in this fast-evolving and competitive field, identifying priorities that each country needs to address and to formulate a regional eGovernment strategy and masterplan, illustrating how at present and in the years ahead citizens and businesses can benefit from online service provision. *19/11/2004*, International Building the ICT Capacity of African Universities for Promoting Development <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=25187> The Institute for African Development at Cornell University will host a conference at Ithaca, New York on November 19-20 titled 'Building the ICT Capacity of African Universities for Promoting Development' * 19/11/2004, International UN ICT Task Force Working Group 1 (WG1) Meeting on Global ICT Policy and Governance http://www.unicttaskforce.org/seventhmeeting/ The working group meeting will take place the day before the UN ICT Task Force Global Forum on Promoting Enabling Environment For Digital Development, 19-20 November 2004, Berlin, Germany. * 23/11/2004, International Working Group on Internet Governance, United Nations -Geneva http://www.wgig.org/ The first meeting of the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) will be held at the United Nations in Geneva on 23 and 25 November 2004. Consultations open to Governments, civil society organizations and private sector entities will be held on 24 November. The members of WGIG are to be nominated by the United Nations Secretary-General. *01/12/2004*, South Africa ICANN Meeting in Cape Town <http://www.icanncapetown.co.za/> The third round of ICANN meetings in 2004 will be held 1-5 December 2004 in Cape Town, South Africa. The meetings are free to attend, and open to any interested person. ICANN encourages broad participation in its bottom-up consensus-development process. You can take part in these meetings by attending in person, by taking part in the webcast and remote participation opportunities, and/or by joining one of the various ICANN-related mailing lists. *06/12/2004*, South Africa Africa Electronic Privacy and Public Voice Symposium <http://www.thepublicvoice.org/events/capetown04/default.html> The Africa Electronic Privacy and Public Voice Symposium will be held in Cape Town, South Africa at the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, on December 6, 2004 in conjunction with the ICANN meeting. *07/12/2004*, Kenya New Communication Technologies Forum in Kenya <http://www.aitecafrica.com/events/2004/VOIP-Forum/register.ph> In response to recent market developments, AITEC is holding a New Communications Technology Forum in Kenya over 7-9 December, focusing on GPRS and VoIP. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS *E- Knowledge for Women In Southern Africa (EKOWISA) <http://www.ekowisa.org.zw/index.htm> E- Knowledge for Women In Southern Africa (EKOWISA) is an innovative regional non-governmental organisation (NGO) whose aim is to generate, analyse, translate, repackage and disseminate locally relevant information and knowledge for the enhancement of better livelihoods by promoting the effective and efficient use of information communication technologies (ICTs). *African Virtual Open Initiatives and Resources - AVOIR <http://avoir.uwc.ac.za/> This project is about harnessing the enormous potential that exists within Africa and the African diaspora to create a core of developers of free software who are able, through software development activities, to create educational and business opportunities that contribute to development on the continent. Although world class software will be produced within this project, this is not a software development project. Rather it is a project about human development, about capacity building, and about creating opportunities for people through the formation of transnational alliances both within Africa and out. *NGO.ZA - ICT Services for Civil Society <http://www.ngo.za/> NGO.ZA is a joint venture between SANGONeT and ICOZA. The overall aim of NGO.ZA is to meet and respond to the NGO sector's connectivity, hardware and e-business infrastructure requirements. *Panos Institute West Africa - CIPACO initiative <http://www.panos-ao.org/ntic/cipaco_eng.htm> "Panos Institute West Africa's (PIWA) mission is to inform and communicate to develop a culture of Democracy, Citizenship and Peace in Africa. PIWA is hosting the Center on International ICT Policies - Central and West Africa (CIPACO), a initiative aiming at strengthening the capacity of African actors for a better participation in international ICT decision-making. CIPACO is put in place in the framework of the CATIA 1 F initiative. The centers functions as a network and fulfils to the following objectives: to inform all of the stakeholders involved in ICT policies; to analyse key issues in the sector within the African context; to support debates on priority ICT policy issues; to facilitate the international expression of the viewpoints of Africans; to work on the mutualisation and the reinforcement of expertises. PIWA has also been conducting different programmes dealing with policies in the media sector in West africa. *Creative Commons South Africa <http://za.creativecommons.org> Creative Commons South Africa is dedicated to showcasing the work of local creators, educators and administrators who use Creative Commons licenses to distribute their ideas and creative expressions. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially internet-related technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice. APC: http://www.apc.org. APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society based on social justice and human rights. APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: http://africa.rights.apc.org The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the International Research Development Centre (IDRC). //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna Africa Policy Monitor Project Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Email: africa.rights@apc.org Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ========== HURIDOCS-Tech listserv ========== Send mail intended for the list to <huridocs-tech@hrea.org>. 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