[Kictanet] APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e-Updates No.12]

[alice at apc.org]

Hi all

This is  It is quite a good update of telecommunication issues/news around 
the continent. Worth reading

alice


>
> Dear all,
>
> Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates
> No. 12, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy 
> Monitor
> Website chosen by our editors.
>
> ON THE NEWS FRONT, telecommunications news have continued to dominate news
> headlines in several countries mainly on issues of privatization  and 
> liberalization in the
> sector. Malawi took the centre of attention in last week or so following 
> the announcement that
> the privatization of Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) would go 
> ahead only for the
> President to turn around and suspend the proposed sale after 5 days citing 
> amongst
> other reasons that the price was too low. Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria have 
> also been in the
> news on the same issues of privatization of their fixed line telephone
> operator and/or the mobile telephone operator.
>
> Liberalization issues have also taken a fair share of the news headlines 
> in the past two
> weeks, with Namibia mentioned as lagging in ICT sector growth given the 
> lack of competition
> in the sector. On the same note, we see the regulator announce the 
> suspension of
> the second mobile operator licence process.
> Kenya has finally legalised VOIP services, setting the stage for fierce 
> competition
> while Botswana and Liberian parliaments have been discussing relevant 
> legislation
> documents that would have positive effects into the countries 
> telecommunications sector.
>
> Finally, the five-year duopoly that gave MTN and Uganda telecom exclusive 
> rights
> over the provision of telecommunication services in the country came to an 
> end
> this week, with the new telecommunication policy still in parliament, 
> Ugandans may
> have wait a little longer before full competition can be achieved in the 
> sector.
>
>
>
> ON INFORMATION RESOURCES, do remember to take a look at a new paper on the 
> role
> of information and communication technologies in the development of 
> African Women.
> The paper emphasizes on current issues and highlights key issues and 
> challenges faced
> by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally.
>
>
> ON UPCOMING EVENTS, August and September will be a busy month with several 
> events
> taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on Community Informatics and WSIS.
> There is also the upcoming preparation conference on WSIS to take place in 
> Geneva.
> Do visit the links for more information on these events.
>
>
> For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit 
> the
> APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below.
>
>
> Editor
> APC Africa Policy Monitor Website
> http://africa.rights.apc.org/
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
>
>
>  News > Access
>
> Mozambique: Journalists Welcome Access to Information Bill
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=802367>
> 09/08/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- ARTICLE 19 and the Media
> Institute of Southern Africa-Mozambique (MISA) have welcomed a draft
> bill that gives citizens in the country the right to obtain information
> held by public authorities. After five years of consultations, the
> government has introduced the draft Law of Mozambique on Access to
> Official Sources of Information that press freedom advocates hope will
> pave the way towards greater transparency and government accountability.
>
> *News > E-Governance *
>
> Kenya computerises lands records
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=823808>
> 11/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- All land
> records will soon be available at the touch of a button. "Kenyans can
> rest assured that the question of missing files is now a thing of the
> past," said Land and Housing minister Amos Kimunya yesterday. "This will
> be a Christmas gift as all rent cards will be available online."
>
> Ethiopia connects all Federal Courts through a Wide Area Network
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=825472>
> 10/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- Vice President of the
> Federal Supreme Court said activities are underway to connect all
> Federal Courts with a centralized database through a Wide Area Network
> (WAN). Menberetsehay Tadesse said all federal courts will establish a
> database that would enable judges of the Federal Supreme, High and First
> Instance Courts to work on near-final pending cases during their recess
> period so as to prepare them for decisions.
>
>
>
>  News > Laws and Regulation
>
> Ghana: Communications regulator revokes licenses of 34 companies
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=827651>
> 11/08/2005 (Ghanaweb <http://www.ghanaweb.com/>) -- The National
> Communications Authority (NCA) has revoked the licenses of 34 companies
> who had earlier been granted licenses to operate as Internet Service
> Providers (ISP), Fiber Optic, Public Data and Paging, as well as FM
> Radio Services.
>
> Kenya: VOIP now Legalised
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=823732>
> 10/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- The cost of
> telephone calls is set to go down with new rules that allow voice
> communication over the internet. Voice over internet Protocol has now
> been legalised, setting the stage for fierce competition with fixed-line
> and cellularphone services.
>
> Liberia: Government Submits Draft Telecommunications Bill
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=683018>
> 02/08/2005 (Liberian Observer <http://www.liberianobserver.com/>) -- 
> Transitional Government Chairman (NTGL) Charles Gyude Bryant has
> submitted a draft bill seeking to amend the Public Authorities Law
> creating the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation and an Executive Law
> creating the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to the transitional
> legislative assembly for its consideration.
>
> Namibia: Second cell licence on hold
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=630123>
> 30/07/2005 (Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- The Namibian
> Government has put the granting of a second cellular phone operating
> licence on hold. Jan Kruger of the Namibian Communications Commission
> (NCC) speaking to the media this week that the Information and
> Broadcasting Ministry had temporarily suspended the process to focus on
> "more pressing issues".
>
>
>  News > National ICT Strategies
>
> Poor policies blamed for slow growth of ICT
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=682246>
> 02/08/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- 
> Africa's policy for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has
> not kept pace with technological advancement, a regional stakeholders
> forum heard last week. Top on the agenda of the meeting was integration
> of ICT policies in the region to help bridge the digital divide.
>
> Namibia lagging in the technology race
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=630125>
> 29/07/2005 (Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- NAMIBIA is
> lagging behind other emerging economies in the development and usage of
> telecommunications technologies, studies have confirmed. The Namibia
> Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru) says in its latest report that
> compared to other lower- to middle-income countries, Namibians are not
> fully utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
>
> Botswana: Draft competition policy presented to Parliament
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=773332>
> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- The long awaited draft
> competition policy has been presented before Parliament. The document is
> expected to help avert unfair business practises, uncompetitive
> behaviour and conduct in the market place.
>
>
>
>
>  News > Training and Education
>
> Kenya: Ambitious ICT project for schools
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=792581>
> 09/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- Eighty per
> cent of Form Four leavers should be computer literate by 2008 under a
> new plan disclosed by Education minister George Saitoti. Prof Saitoti
> has also said that Information Communication Technology (ICT) would be
> taught in teachers training colleges to prepare them for the project.
>
>
>  News > Telecommunications
>
> Uganda: Expedite the telecom policy
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=823678>
> 11/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug/>) -- Last month the
> five-year duopoly period that gave MTN and Uganda telecom the rights to
> offer countrywide telecommunication services expired. However, the
> government decision to open the sector to more players or not, awaits a
> telecommunications policy paper that is yet to be discussed and passed
> by parliament and the cabinet.
>
> Namibia: Telecoms liberalisation 'essential'
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=825470>
> 10/08/2005 (The Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- A Senior
> Namibian researcher has called on Government to seriously consider
> liberalising the telecommunications sector, saying competition would
> allow for improved service delivery. Christoph Stork, of the Namibian
> Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru), says liberalisation of the
> telecommunication sector would allow more players to wrestle it out for
> market leadership, allowing for efficiency and more affordable prices to
> consumers.
>
> Malawi halts privatization of telecom
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773607>
> 08/08/2005 (BusinessWeek <http://www.businessweek.com>) -- Malawi
> President Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday (6th August) ordered the
> immediate suspension of the privatization of the state-run
> telecommunication firm after critics said the proposed sale price was
> too low.
>
> Botswana upgrades network
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773266>
> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- Botswana Telecommunications
> Corporation (BTC) has embarked on a number of projects to improve the
> capacity and reliability of its network. The Minister of Communications,
> Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson told Parliament this week that a
> reliable, high capacity national telecommunications network is essential
> to creating an environment capable of attracting high value investors in
> the information and knowledge management sector.
>
> Malawi: Telecoms board against privatisation process
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773491>
> 05/08/2005 (The Nation <http://www.nationmalawi.com/>) -- Malawi
> Telecommunications Limited (MTL) board of directors on Thursday (4th
> August) accused the Privatisation Commission (PC) of misleading the
> nation when it indicated that the privatisation process of the company
> is in its final stage.
>
> Botswana Telecoms connects 40 lines in Barolong
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=773644>
> 03/08/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/news/index.html>) -- Botswana
> Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) completed over 40 landline
> connections in Barolong constituency as part of its Nteletsa rural
> telephone connection project.
>
> Malawi's telecoms firm on sale
> <http://www.businessinafrica.net/news/southern_africa/467983.htm>
> 01/08/2005 (BusinessinAfrica <http://www.businessinafrica.net/>) -- 
> Malawi leader Bingu wa Mutharika has given a nod for the Malawi
> Privatisation Commission to finally sell the country's sole fixed-line
> telephone company, Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL), which is
> Malawi's statutory cash cow.
>
>
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/
>
> The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the
> Development of African Women
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=685166>
> 03/08/2005 -- This paper sets out to look at the question to information
> and communication technologies (ICTs) in relation to women's development
> in Africa. The emphasis is on current issues and the paper highlights
> key issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller
> extent, globally.
> Appendix A - Community-based Access Points
> <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixA_access_points.pdf>
> Appendix B - Recommendations to Civil Society Organisations
> <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixB_recommendations.pdf>
> Appendix C - What are ICTs?
> <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixC_icts.pdf>
> Appendix D - Recommended Resources
> <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixD_resource_list.pdf>
>
> Stories from the field - Examples of using ICTs for women's development
> in Africa.
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=685362>
> 03/08/2005 -- STORIES FROM THE FIELD - Examples of using ICTs for
> women's development in Africa - for the paper "The Role of Information
> and Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women".
> There are many examples of how women are using ICTs for development on
> the continent. Here we profile only a few in order to highlight how ICTs
> can be used for gender justice and social change.
>
>
> New Book Launched: Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=554532>
> 26/07/2005 -- In preparation of the African Woman Day, 2005, the Gender
> and ICT Network (a joint initiative ENDA-ART-OSIRIS) publicly launched a
> book "Fracture numerique de genre en Afrique francophone : une
> inquietante realite" (Gender digital divide in Francophone Africa : a
> harsh reality".
>
>
>
> ITU and infoDev Launch New Online Regulation Toolkit
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=777232>
> "This new ICT Regulation Toolkit will provide ICT policy-makers and
> regulators with practical approaches and instruments to support their
> decision-making," said infoDev Programme Manager Mostafa Terrab. "It is
> a unique resource designed around three key features: it is an
> interactive, on-line tool allowing for user feedback and enhancement; it
> is dynamic in that its contents will evolve to reflect new developments
> in the sector; and it is forward-looking, foreseeing and anticipating
> policies and regulations that fully leverage the potential of new
> technologies to maximize access for all throughout the developing world."
>
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *UPCOMING EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
>
> *11/08/2005*, Tanzania
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21848e_1>
>
> World Youth Development and ICT (WYDI 2005) Conference (Aug 11-12 2005)
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=34214>
> This conference is being organised with a theme of "Young People
> Creating Global Culture". The conference aims to bring together more
> than 250 young professionals, community leaders, non-governmental
> organisation (NGO) leaders, university students, information and
> communication technology (ICT) professionals, among others.
>
> *22/08/2005*, South Africa
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1>
> Building Partnerships for the Information Society (Aug 22-27 2005)
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=34216>
> The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with the support of the
> Cape Town City, the Centre for e-Innovation in the Provincial Government
> of the Western Cape and the South African Department of Communications,
> will be organising and hosting the "Information Society" event.
>
> *24/08/2005*, South Africa
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1>
> Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=29325>
> The Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 Conference is
> open to receive research, policy and praxis based papers around the
> major theme of 'partnerships'.
>
> *31/08/2005*, Botswana
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21811e_1>
> World Information Technology Forum (Witfor) 2005
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=31388>
> The Government of the Republic of Botswana, in collaboration with the
> International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) will host the
> second World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in Gaborone from
> August 31 to September 2, 2005. WITFOR is a state-of-the-art, high-level
> international forum, aimed at ICT policy-makers and practitioners.
>
> *05/09/2005*, Cameroon
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21850e_1>
> CTO Forum 2005 - Yaounde, Cameroon, 5 - 6 September 2005
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=136150>
> Organised in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, the CTO will
> host this unique gathering of opinion leaders and decision-makers in
> response to the growing need for access to ICT in emerging markets in
> the Commonwealth and beyond.
>
> *12/09/2005*, South Africa
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1>
> Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the
> information society'**
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33696>
> The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist
> in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a
> unique mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and
> hands-on workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise.
>
> *19/09/2005*, International
> <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1>
> PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva
> <http://www.itu.int/wsis/preparatory2/pc3/index.html>
> The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis
> phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from
> 19-30 September 2005.
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
>
> 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).
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
> 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 at apc.org
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
>
>
> -- 
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna
> Africa Policy Monitor Project
> Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
> Email: africa.rights at apc.org or njenga at apc.org
> Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to aisi-l as: [alice at apc.org]
> To unsubscribe, forward this message to 
> leave-aisi-l-84914M at lyris.bellanet.org
>


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


> FYI
>
> apologies for cross posting..
>
> NN
>
> -------- Original Message --------
>
> Dear all,
>
> Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates
> No. 12, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy 
> Monitor
> Website chosen by our editors.
>
> ON THE NEWS FRONT, telecommunications news have continued to dominate news
> headlines in several countries mainly on issues of privatization  and 
> liberalization in the
> sector. Malawi took the centre of attention in last week or so following 
> the announcement that
> the privatization of Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) would go 
> ahead only for the
> President to turn around and suspend the proposed sale after 5 days citing 
> amongst
> other reasons that the price was too low. Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria have 
> also been in the
> news on the same issues of privatization of their fixed line telephone
> operator and/or the mobile telephone operator.
>
> Liberalization issues have also taken a fair share of the news headlines 
> in the past two
> weeks, with Namibia mentioned as lagging in ICT sector growth given the 
> lack of competition
> in the sector. On the same note, we see the regulator announce the 
> suspension of
> the second mobile operator licence process.
> Kenya has finally legalised VOIP services, setting the stage for fierce 
> competition
> while Botswana and Liberian parliaments have been discussing relevant 
> legislation
> documents that would have positive effects into the countries 
> telecommunications sector.
>
> Finally, the five-year duopoly that gave MTN and Uganda telecom exclusive 
> rights
> over the provision of telecommunication services in the country came to an 
> end
> this week, with the new telecommunication policy still in parliament, 
> Ugandans may
> have wait a little longer before full competition can be achieved in the 
> sector.
>
>
>
> ON INFORMATION RESOURCES, do remember to take a look at a new paper on the 
> role
> of information and communication technologies in the development of 
> African Women.
> The paper emphasizes on current issues and highlights key issues and 
> challenges faced
> by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally.
>
>
> ON UPCOMING EVENTS, August and September will be a busy month with several 
> events
> taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on Community Informatics and WSIS.
> There is also the upcoming preparation conference on WSIS to take place in 
> Geneva.
> Do visit the links for more information on these events.
>
>
> For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit 
> the
> APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below.
>
>
> Editor
> APC Africa Policy Monitor Website
> http://africa.rights.apc.org/
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
> News > Access
>
> Mozambique: Journalists Welcome Access to Information Bill
> 09/08/2005 (IFEX) -- ARTICLE 19 and the Media Institute of Southern 
> Africa-Mozambique (MISA) have welcomed a draft bill that gives citizens in 
> the country the right to obtain information held by public authorities. 
> After five years of consultations, the government has introduced the draft 
> Law of Mozambique on Access to Official Sources of Information that press 
> freedom advocates hope will pave the way towards greater transparency and 
> government accountability.
>
>
>
>
> News > E-Governance
>
> Kenya computerises lands records
> 11/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- All land records will soon be available at 
> the touch of a button. "Kenyans can rest assured that the question of 
> missing files is now a thing of the past," said Land and Housing minister 
> Amos Kimunya yesterday. "This will be a Christmas gift as all rent cards 
> will be available online."
>
> Ethiopia connects all Federal Courts through a Wide Area Network
> 10/08/2005 (ENA) -- Vice President of the Federal Supreme Court said 
> activities are underway to connect all Federal Courts with a centralized 
> database through a Wide Area Network (WAN). Menberetsehay Tadesse said all 
> federal courts will establish a database that would enable judges of the 
> Federal Supreme, High and First Instance Courts to work on near-final 
> pending cases during their recess period so as to prepare them for 
> decisions.
>
>
>
> News > Laws and Regulation
> Ghana: Communications regulator revokes licenses of 34 companies
> 11/08/2005 (Ghanaweb) -- The National Communications Authority (NCA) has 
> revoked the licenses of 34 companies who had earlier been granted licenses 
> to operate as Internet Service Providers (ISP), Fiber Optic, Public Data 
> and Paging, as well as FM Radio Services.
>
> Kenya: VOIP now Legalised
> 10/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- The cost of telephone calls is set to go down 
> with new rules that allow voice communication over the internet. Voice 
> over internet Protocol has now been legalised, setting the stage for 
> fierce competition with fixed-line and cellularphone services.
>
> Liberia: Government Submits Draft Telecommunications Bill
> 02/08/2005 (Liberian Observer) -- Transitional Government Chairman (NTGL) 
> Charles Gyude Bryant has submitted a draft bill seeking to amend the 
> Public Authorities Law creating the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation 
> and an Executive Law creating the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications 
> to the transitional legislative assembly for its consideration.
>
> Namibia: Second cell licence on hold
> 30/07/2005 (Namibian) -- The Namibian Government has put the granting of a 
> second cellular phone operating licence on hold. Jan Kruger of the 
> Namibian Communications Commission (NCC) speaking to the media this week 
> that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had temporarily suspended 
> the process to focus on "more pressing issues".
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> News > National ICT Strategies
>
> Poor policies blamed for slow growth of ICT
> 02/08/2005 (East African Standard) -- Africa's policy for Information and 
> Communication Technology (ICT) has not kept pace with technological 
> advancement, a regional stakeholders forum heard last week. Top on the 
> agenda of the meeting was integration of ICT policies in the region to 
> help bridge the digital divide.
>
> Namibia lagging in the technology race
> 29/07/2005 (Namibian) -- NAMIBIA is lagging behind other emerging 
> economies in the development and usage of telecommunications technologies, 
> studies have confirmed. The Namibia Economic Policy and Research Unit 
> (Nepru) says in its latest report that compared to other lower- to 
> middle-income countries, Namibians are not fully utilising Information and 
> Communication Technology (ICT).
>
>
> Botswana: Draft competition policy presented to Parliament
> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi) -- The long awaited draft competition policy has been 
> presented before Parliament. The document is expected to help avert unfair 
> business practises, uncompetitive behaviour and conduct in the market 
> place.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> News > Training and Education
>
> Kenya: Ambitious ICT project for schools
> 09/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- Eighty per cent of Form Four leavers should 
> be computer literate by 2008 under a new plan disclosed by Education 
> minister George Saitoti. Prof Saitoti has also said that Information 
> Communication Technology (ICT) would be taught in teachers training 
> colleges to prepare them for the project.
>
>
>
>
> News > Telecommunications
> Uganda: Expedite the telecom policy
> 11/08/2005 (NewVision) -- Last month the five-year duopoly period that 
> gave MTN and Uganda telecom the rights to offer countrywide 
> telecommunication services expired. However, the government decision to 
> open the sector to more players or not, awaits a telecommunications policy 
> paper that is yet to be discussed and passed by parliament and the 
> cabinet.
>
> Namibia: Telecoms liberalisation 'essential'
> 10/08/2005 (The Namibian) -- A Senior Namibian researcher has called on 
> Government to seriously consider liberalising the telecommunications 
> sector, saying competition would allow for improved service delivery. 
> Christoph Stork, of the Namibian Economic Policy and Research Unit 
> (Nepru), says liberalisation of the telecommunication sector would allow 
> more players to wrestle it out for market leadership, allowing for 
> efficiency and more affordable prices to consumers.
>
> Malawi halts privatization of telecom
> 08/08/2005 (BusinessWeek) -- Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika on 
> Saturday (6th August) ordered the immediate suspension of the 
> privatization of the state-run telecommunication firm after critics said 
> the proposed sale price was too low.
>
> Botswana upgrades network
> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi) -- Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has 
> embarked on a number of projects to improve the capacity and reliability 
> of its network. The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, 
> Pelonomi Venson told Parliament this week that a reliable, high capacity 
> national telecommunications network is essential to creating an 
> environment capable of attracting high value investors in the information 
> and knowledge management sector.
>
> Malawi: Telecoms board against privatisation process
> 05/08/2005 (The Nation ) -- Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) board 
> of directors on Thursday (4th August) accused the Privatisation Commission 
> (PC) of misleading the nation when it indicated that the privatisation 
> process of the company is in its final stage.
>
>
> Botswana Telecoms connects 40 lines in Barolong
> 03/08/2005 (BOPA) -- Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) 
> completed over 40 landline connections in Barolong constituency as part of 
> its Nteletsa rural telephone connection project.
>
> Malawi's telecoms firm on sale
> 01/08/2005 (BusinessinAfrica) -- Malawi leader Bingu wa Mutharika has 
> given a nod for the Malawi Privatisation Commission to finally sell the 
> country's sole fixed-line telephone company, Malawi Telecommunications 
> Limited (MTL), which is Malawi's statutory cash cow.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -INFORMATION & RESOURCES - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
> The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Development 
> of African Women
> 03/08/2005 -- This paper sets out to look at the question to information 
> and communication technologies (ICTs) in relation to women's development 
> in Africa. The emphasis is on current issues and the paper highlights key 
> issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, 
> globally.
> Appendix A - Community-based Access Points
> Appendix B - Recommendations to Civil Society Organisations
> Appendix C - What are ICTs?
> Appendix D - Recommended Resources
>
> Stories from the field - Examples of using ICTs for women's development in 
> Africa.
> 03/08/2005 -- STORIES FROM THE FIELD - Examples of using ICTs for women's 
> development in Africa - for the paper "The Role of Information and 
> Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women". There are 
> many examples of how women are using ICTs for development on the 
> continent. Here we profile only a few in order to highlight how ICTs can 
> be used for gender justice and social change.
>
>
> New Book Launched: Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa
> 26/07/2005 -- In preparation of the African Woman Day, 2005, the Gender 
> and ICT Network (a joint initiative ENDA-ART-OSIRIS) publicly launched a 
> book "Fracture numerique de genre en Afrique francophone : une inquietante 
> realite" (Gender digital divide in Francophone Africa : a harsh reality".
>
>
>
> ITU and infoDev Launch New Online Regulation Toolkit
> "This new ICT Regulation Toolkit will provide ICT policy-makers and 
> regulators with practical approaches and instruments to support their 
> decision-making," said infoDev Programme Manager Mostafa Terrab. "It is a 
> unique resource designed around three key features: it is an interactive, 
> on-line tool allowing for user feedback and enhancement; it is dynamic in 
> that its contents will evolve to reflect new developments in the sector; 
> and it is forward-looking, foreseeing and anticipating policies and 
> regulations that fully leverage the potential of new technologies to 
> maximize access for all throughout the developing world."
>
>
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - UPCOMING EVENTS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
> 11/08/2005, Tanzania
>
> World Youth Development and ICT (WYDI 2005) Conference (Aug 11-12 2005)
> This conference is being organised with a theme of "Young People Creating 
> Global Culture". The conference aims to bring together more than 250 young 
> professionals, community leaders, non-governmental organisation (NGO) 
> leaders, university students, information and communication technology 
> (ICT) professionals, among others.
>
> 22/08/2005, South Africa
> Building Partnerships for the Information Society (Aug 22-27 2005)
> The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with the support of the Cape 
> Town City, the Centre for e-Innovation in the Provincial Government of the 
> Western Cape and the South African Department of Communications, will be 
> organising and hosting the "Information Society" event.
>
> 24/08/2005, South Africa
> Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005
> The Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 Conference is open 
> to receive research, policy and praxis based papers around the major theme 
> of 'partnerships'.
>
> 31/08/2005, Botswana
> World Information Technology Forum (Witfor) 2005
> The Government of the Republic of Botswana, in collaboration with the 
> International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) will host the 
> second World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in Gaborone from August 
> 31 to September 2, 2005. WITFOR is a state-of-the-art, high-level 
> international forum, aimed at ICT policy-makers and practitioners.
>
> 05/09/2005, Cameroon
> CTO Forum 2005 - Yaounde, Cameroon, 5 - 6 September 2005
> Organised in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, the CTO will 
> host this unique gathering of opinion leaders and decision-makers in 
> response to the growing need for access to ICT in emerging markets in the 
> Commonwealth and beyond.
>
> 12/09/2005, South Africa
> Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the information 
> society'**
> The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist 
> in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a unique 
> mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on 
> workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise.
>
> 19/09/2005, International
> PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva
> The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis 
> phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from 
> 19-30 September 2005.
>
>
>
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
>
> 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).
>
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
> 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 at apc.org
>
> //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna
> Africa Policy Monitor Project
> Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
> Email: africa.rights at apc.org or njenga at apc.org
> Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
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