enhancing ict development and connectivity in africa erik habers head of cooperation eu delegation...
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Enhancing ICT development and connectivity in Africa
Erik HabersHead of Cooperation EU Delegation Nairobi
Background
• ICT are proven drivers of innovation for sustainable development, since:
• They allow for a rapid and free flow of information, increasing economic efficiency, ensuring decisions
• They offer solutions to employment, health, education, protection, environment, governance, commerce...
• A 10% increase in internet access has been shown to lead to an 1.2% increase in several countries GDP
MDG 8: 'In cooperation with the private sector, make available benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications'
(Plus indirect effect in MDGs 2, 4, 5 and 6)
Challenges
• Growing Digital Divide:• Great disparity among countries• Access limited in many parts of Africa
Main reasons• Low collaboration South-South
• Intra-African communications often routed through Europe
• High prices• Little competition• Lack of political and economic stability and coherent
policies hampering private investments
EU Response Strategy
• Enhance the bilateral policy dialogue
• Assist to the development of an inclusive information society in Africa
• Focus on preparing the enabling environment (regulation, interconnections…) for private sector investments
(ICT is not a focal sector in EU development policy, but a cross-cutting modality with applications in several other sectors)
EU priorities for ICT development in Africa 1. Harmonisation and alignment of e-communications policies and regulations with EU
framework
2. Enabling the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and the regulation of the Digital Dividend
• 3. Establishment and interconnection of research and education networks and connection to the European network GÉANT
• 4. Enhancement of ICT capacity building (for ALL, i.e. citizens, governments, private sector etc.)
Objective: Improved regulations promoting fairness, transparency, human rights and freedom of expression
Result: A fair and transparent enabling environment, improving ICT access for citizens, business and organisations
Priority 1: Harmonisation and aligment of e-communications policies and regulations in developing
countries with EU framework
Objective: Creation a new huge market of online applications and services contributing in this way to inclusive growth, employment and sustainable development in Africa
Results: Development/convergence of relevant policies and regulations in domains defining the digital dividend regulation/management challenge, like radio spectrum policy and management, cross-border radio frequency management, digital media/broadcasting policy, broadband policy etc.
Priority 2: Enabling the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in Africa and
the regulation of the Digital Dividend.
Objective: Increase in research cooperation and regional computing capacity, generate scientific excellence, bridge the digital divide, reduce 'brain drain', contribute to economic and social well-being
Results: Strenghtening of cooperation between research communities. Provide capacity to meet high-volume needs of other not-for-profit sectors. Influence the development of a telecom market and regulatory environment reducing the costs and enabling cross-border traffic
Priority 3: Establishment and interconnection of research and education networks and connection
to European network GÉANT
Example: AfricaConnect project
• Establishes a high capacity internet network for research and education in Southern and Eastern Africa
• Improves connectivity and collaboration within the region and with the rest of the world through the interconnection with the pan-European research network GÉANT
• Contributes to the development of education and research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Objective: To reduce the digital divide, through a better understanding of the new technologies, the roll-out of broadband, the deployment of efficient ICT systems adapted to local needs and the promotion of free and open access to the internet
Results: Roll-out of broadband connectivity, deployment of efficient and resilient ICT systems and promotion of free and open access to the internet
Priority 4: Enhancement of ICT capacity building (for ALL, citizens, governments, private
sector etc.)
Increasing engagement
• Scaling-up of ongoing initiatives
• Exploiting synergies between the EU Digital Agenda and the AU ICT development frameworks
• Fostering deployment of innovative e-services to enhance interconnections
•THANK YOU
• for
• Your Attention!