Years ago, Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, a documentary author, aptly predicted that “Digital cameras will allow us to re-create the African collective memory.” For one, he felt that digital cameras that filmed video were less intimidating than …
Read the full story »The successful implementation of a national ICT (NICT) plan, also known as national information and communication infrastructure (NICI) plan, requires a great deal of planning on the part of the government. National ICT plans face an array of challenges including costs, stubborn government leaders, lack of infrastructure (ie. electricity), and a limited number of trained consultants. The initial process of deciding to create a plan, researching the best options for a plan, collaborating with experts and leaders, and approving the plan often takes years in itself. At that time, the country is perhaps in a different social and economic state. Plus, the government may or may not have seen drastic shifts in power. Additionally, if a plan is enacted, it can lose government support, face corruption, or lack adequate funding. For example, an article by Sylvester Ngoma describes the challenges faced in the Congo.
To see the plans of African nations between 1999 and 2005, head over to the NICI Country Pages created by the Economic Commission for Africa. During this period, most nations either had a plan or were in the early stages of developing an ICT plan. However, years later, many nations still do not have an official government-approved plan. Other countries have seen success, but the status of their NICT plan remains difficult to pinpoint. Below is a list of African nations with relatively current and well-publicized ICT plans. Please notify me of any additions, corrections, or changes:
Botswana:
Cameroon:
Chad:
Egypt:
Ghana:
Kenya:
Malawi:
Mauritius
Morocco:
Rwanda:
Seychelles:
Swaziland:
Zimbabwe:
Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 3, 2010) marks the start of the weekly reality-online game “Evoke“. Created by Jane McGonigal, the hybrid of real-life meets online world seeks to have people partake in beneficial activities in order …
Last week, Nigerian secondary school students participated in an annual information and communication technology quiz. A summary of the two-day event, written by Y. Z. Yau, the director of CITAD, appeared in the Lagos-based Daily …
Fundamentally, an online advertisement is a medium for communication. Advertisements are a vehicle for the transfer of goods and/or services. Not only do ads contribute to the economy, but they facilitate social progress. Additionally, ad …
What is localization in the African context and what is its importance in the long term? African Languages in a Digital Age: Challenges and opportunities for indigenous language computing, a new e-book authored by Don …
(A must read is this weeks ‘Economist Debate’ on the theme of Africa and China. So far it’s a split decision whether China’s growing involvement in Africa is to be welcomed. Link)
As mentioned in countless …
This video comes from Zambia – a landlocked nation that does not have coastal access like neighboring Tanzania. Fortunately, groups like Connect Africa are working toward connecting rural areas to communication services. Connect Africa’s goal …