[Kictanet] APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e updates No.9
Emmanuel Njenga
njenga at apc.org
Thu Jun 16 12:23:11 EAT 2005
FYI
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [Africa-CS-WSIS]APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e updates No.9
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 19:20:25 +1000
From: Emmanuel Njenga <njenga at apc.org>
Reply-To: africa at wsis-cs.org
To: africa at wsis-cs.org
Dear all,
Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates
No. 9, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor
Website chosen by our editors.
The content is categorised by theme and country to allow you to view
items in the following main sections of the website;
- News
- Information & Resources
- Upcoming Events
Do send us your feedback, comments or news on ICT policy issues and we
will be glad to add these onto the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website.
Kind Regards,
Editor
APC Africa Policy Monitor Website: http://africa.rights.apc.org/
Email: africa.rights at apc.org
//\//\//\//\//\//\/ -* NEWS *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/
News > Access & Telecommunications
ITU to launch new global telecommunication development initiative
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34089>
16/06/2005 (ITU <http://www.itu.int/>) -- On Thursday 16 June ITU
(today) will launch an innovative new development initiative designed to
harness the expertise and experience of players from the public and
private sectors, government and civil society in a bid to connect the
unconnected by 2015.
Kenya: Industry roots for lower ICT costs
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33981>
15/06/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) --
Stakeholders in the Information and Communications (ICT) want the
sub-sector's high operating costs lowered to allow greater access to the
service. Dr Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of African Regional Centre for
Commuting, said there was urgent need for Kenya to be linked to the
information superhighway for lower costs.
Nigeria: British company brings payphone services to rural Africa
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=34079>
14/06/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) -- A
British company is about to bring cell phone use to isolated areas of
Africa and will be displaying the system at the forthcoming West Africa
Telecom 2005(Wafritel) show in Lagos next week. Pay phone that operates
like a cell phone on any cellular network A public telephone developed
by equatel accepts both pre-paid and "pay-as-you-go" (PAYG) SIM cards
that are both rechargeable and personal.
Ethiopia Telecoms reduces internet use payments effective Monday
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33949>
13/06/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et/>) -- Ethiopian
Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced a drammatic reduction
in the payment for internet service effective Monday 13 June 2005. ETC
has facilitated the way for subscribers to use dial-up, leased line or
shared diesel internet services for reasonable payments, Corporation's
Communication Affairs Manager Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA on Sunday.
Ghana Telcom to introduce pre-paid system for homes
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33777>
07/06/2005 (Ghanaweb <http://www.ghanaweb.com/>) -- Ghana Telecom (GT)
will introduce a pre-paid telephone system in homes by December this
year as an alternative to cutting down billing complaints. The new
system would enable customers to recharge their credits on their
accounts with top-up cards whereas the units will run according to the
number and duration of calls, says GT's General Manager in charge of
Strategy Business Development, Mr Emanuel Dziko.
Kenya: Firm to launch Sh160m gateway
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33704>
06/06/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/>) -- A
new internet gateway firm, UUNet Communications, is set to roll out
services at an initial cost of Sh160 million this month. The firm is a
subsidiary of UUNet Kenya, and the money is short term financing setup
and operations, with more investment planned for later, depending on
market growth and the needs of the firm's clientele.
*News > Censorship*
Zimbabwe: Mugabe to crack down on internet use
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781ne_1&x=33951>
10/06/2005 (Zimbabwe Online <http://www.zimonline.co.za/>) -- Zimbabwe
plans to outlaw the dissemination through the internet of information
and material it deems offensive, President Robert Mugabe said during a
ceremony to mark the opening of Parliament boycotted by the opposition
yesterday (9th June 2005).
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781se_1>
Zimbabwe: Minister accused of interfering with editorial content
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781ne_1&x=33702>
06/06/2005 (MISA/IFEX <http://www.ifex.org/>) -- Zimbabwe's deputy
Minister of Information and Publicity Bright Matonga has been accused of
interfering with the editorial content of reports by the state-run
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH). According to the 2 June 2005
edition of the weekly "Financial Gazette", Matonga has taken to
personally editing stories for the main 20h00 news bulletin.
*News > Content and Language
*
South Africa: New licensing conditions for SABC
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=33941>
14/06/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessday.co.za/>) -- The
Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) will impose new
conditions on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) - which
will result in local languages getting more airtime - with effect from
April next year, the regulator said today.
News > E-Governance
Gambia: Stakeholders Define the Gambia's e-strategy
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=33947>
10/06/2005 (UNECA <http://www.uneca.org/>) -- In collaboration with the
Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology
(DOCIT) of the Government of The Gambia, the Development Information
Services Division (DISD) of the ECA held a 2-day stakeholders' workshop
on "Building an Inclusive Information Society in the Gambia" from 6 to 7
June 2005 in Banjul.
South Africa: Gauteng launches public portal
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=33771>
08/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- An e-government portal
has been launched to improve efficiency and allow the public access to
provincial government information and services. The portal, launched in
Tembisa by Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will give members of the
public access to e-government information and services.
News > Intellectual Property
Nigeria loses over N100bn to copyright piracy
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=34081>
15/06/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) --
Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) Adebambo
Adewopo, has said Nigeria loses up to N100 billion to copyright piracy
annually. Adewopo disclosed this at a sensitization workshop on
Strategic Action Against Piracy (STRAP) for the commission's zonal
coordinators, where he lamented that the high rate of piracy had
impacted negatively on the growth of the creative industry and by
extension, the economy of Nigeria.
Botswana: Moroka to table Copyright Amendment Bill
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=34087>
15/06/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- Minister of
Trade and Industry, Neo Moroka is expected to table the Copyright and
Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill of 2005 in the July session of
Parliament to enhance the protection of owners of copyright. Copyright
and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, 2005 was published in the
Government Gazette on June 10, 2005.
Agreement out of reach in WIPO patent harmonisation talks
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=33700>
04/06/2005 (IP Watch <http://www.ip-watch.org/>) -- Governments' failure
to reach agreement on a way forward on patent harmonisation talks at the
World Intellectual Property Organisation today (3rd June) has cast a
pall on the future of the issue within the U.N. body, sources said.
News > Internet Governance
Brazil proposes sweeping Internet Governance reforms
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21869ne_1&x=34009>
15/06/2005 (ICANNWATCH <http://www.icannwatch.org/>) -- As the UN
Working Group on Internet Governance enters into its last public
consultation this week, an English translation of an official proposal
from the government of Brazil was released by Brazilian WGIG member
Carlos Afonso.
News > Laws and Regulation
South Africa: No redraft for Convergence Bill
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=34091>
16/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Members of Parliament and
the Department of Communications have rejected suggestions that the
Convergence Bill should be redrafted. This emerged yesterday during the
sixth day of hearings on the Convergence Bill before the Parliamentary
Portfolio Committee on Communications.
Kenya: Society seeks law to regulate IT sector
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=33868>
12/06/2005 (East African Standard
<http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=22695>) -- The
Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) wants parliament to enact a law
recognising it as the regulator of the ICT sub-sector. The association
said supportive legislation needed to manage development of the
sub-sector and establish an ethical framework.
Nigeria: GSM operators lobby for extension of exclusivity period
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=33773>
07/06/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) -- There is
intense lobbying by GSM operators to force the Nigerian Communications
Commission to extend the five-year exclusivity period granted them in
2001 which expires February 2006. Following this, the NCC has indicated
interest in a declaration of post exclusivity period upon which more
operators would be licensed to provide digital mobile phone (GSM)
services in the country under the commission's unification of license
exercise.
News > Media
Guinea: Government finally agrees to open up airwaves
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=33698>
03/06/2005 (IRIN News <http://www.irinnews.org/>) -- The government of
Guinea has finally agreed to open up the airwaves to privately owned
radio and television, but not to political parties or religious groups,
according to a government statement read out on television.
News > National ICT Strategies
Kenya: Industry roots for lower ICT costs
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33981>
15/06/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) --
Stakeholders in the Information and Communications (ICT) want the
sub-sector's high operating costs lowered to allow greater access to the
service. Dr Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of African Regional Centre for
Commuting, said there was urgent need for Kenya to be linked to the
information superhighway for lower costs.
Bostwana: BEDIA chief criticizes IT companies
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33939>
13/06/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- Botswana
Export Development Investment Authority (BEDIA) Chief Executive Officer
Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba has condemned local information technology (IT)
companies for their laid back attitude on pertinent matters. In her
opening remarks at ITEX 2005 she said such a gesture sends a wrong
signal to potential investors.
Namibia Unveils ICT Policy
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33775>
08/06/2005 (NewEra <http://www.newera.com.na/>) -- In an effort to
address insurmountable educational challenges and in order to give
Namibia the edge on the global information technology arena, the
Ministry of Education has unveiled its Information and Communication
Technology Policy.
News > Training and Education
Namibia: Youth Project Gets N$2m
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=34075>
15/06/2005 (NewEra <http://www.newera.com.na/>) -- The Social Security
Commission of Namibia (SSC) through its development fund has transferred
N$2 million to the Ministry of Education for the National Information
and Communication Technology Scheme. The donation demonstrates the
importance attached by the SSC to Information Communication Technology
(ICT) needs and the expansion of this vital field within the country.
*News > WSIS*
Sangonet to host forum on WSIS
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=33945>
13/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za/>) -- Sangonet is to host a
forum this month to brief South African civil society organisations on
the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) on June 29th.
//\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
Gender Issues in ICT and Poverty Reduction
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=33993>
15/06/2005 -- The presentation looks at current ICT for poverty
reduction strategies and how these strategies are impacting on women's
economic empowerment. It reflects on evaluations of general ICT for
poverty reduction projects and initiatives that are now being released
by various institutions that are engaged in this work. It profiles
approaches or initiatives that addresses empowerment of women in a
sustainable and wholistic way. From this initial analysis, strategies
towards developing policies that directly address gender equality and
women's empowerment in national and international are recommended.
Why national strategies are needed for ICT-enabled development
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34045>
15/06/2005 -- This paper explores the need for national strategies for
ICT-enabled development. It aims to improve understanding of the
challenges and opportunities of the ICT revolution, and their
implications for development policy and strategies. The paper concludes
by outlining the rationale for designing national strategies for
e-development and options, objectives and major thrust for such
strategies in support of economic growth, poverty reduction and the MDGs.
Nigeria: Data Retention: A Cautionary Exploration
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34083>
10/06/2005 -- The volatile nature of computerized based data, National
Security considerations, and an overall Law Enforcement needs for
substantive digital evidence, has necessitated Developed Countries
around the world to require Information technology Service Providers to
either voluntarily, or by legislative mandates, implement Data Retention
Laws around the world. Triggered especially by the events of September
11th, computerized Data Retention Laws around the world are generally a
prolonged archival of specified attributes of computer based data for a
specified period of time.
Stimulating Investment in Network Development:
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34071>
16/06/2005 -- The final report from the second WDR research cycle has
been released in both print and online formats. Edited by Amy Mahan and
William Melody, the 383 page book contains the body of research and
country case studies undertaken to investigate issues and perspectives
on the theme Stimulating Investment in Network Development: Roles for
Regulators.
Incorporating Gender Issues in ICT Policy-Making
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=33995>
15/06/2005 -- This paper takes a broad overview of the issues of gender
and ICT from a policy-making perspective. The specific objective of this
paper is to provide a systematic framework for incorporating gender
issues in ICT policy documents. This framework is designed to serve as a
toolkit that can be used by policy-makers, researchers and advocates to
evaluate the "gender-sensitivity" of ICT policy documents.
Free/Open Source Software Localization Primer Published
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34040>
15/06/2005 -- This primer provides a broad perspective on the
localization of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) for the benefit of
policy- and decision-makers in developing countries. It highlights the
benefits and strategies of FOSS localization, along with case studies
from various countries that are on the road to software freedom.
Nigeria: .ng ccTLD Domain Registration with a Dead Man
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34085>
09/06/2005 -- Nigeria might be the only Country in the world that
currently has the Domain Manager of the Top Level Country Internet
Domain name listed as a deceased person. For those who do not know, the
overall responsibility of a ccTLD belongs to the Domain Manager. He or
she is the overall authority, responsible for coordinating all affairs
of the Country Level Domain Name assignment.
Spectrum and Network Policy for Next Generation Telecommunications
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34003>
15/06/2005 -- This report from the Aspen Institute Communications and
Society Program (C&S) summarizes the findings from a meeting of
business, government, finance and academic experts on the need for
statutory or regulatory reform in the telecommunications sector,
focusing specifically on rural telecommunications, universal service and
inter-carrier compensation issues.
Digital Futures: A Need-to-Know Policy Guide for Independent Filmmakers
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34002>
A guide to help independent filmmakers understand the impacts of digital
technology and the policy issues effecting their art.
The One to Watch: Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34044>
The cases presented in this book are among the first examples of the
convergence of radio and new ICTs for development, and the book
underscores the significant potential of the combination. In this
convergence, radio promises to take on even greater significance and
value. For this reason, we believe that radio is the one to watch.
//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *UPCOMING EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
*15/06/2005*, International
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1>
Incommunicado 05: information technology for everybody else
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33956>
Incommunicado 05 is a two-day working conference working towards a
critical survey of the current state of 'info-development', also known
as the catchy acronym 'ICT4D' (ICT for development). Before the recent
"flattening of the world" (Thomas Friedman, 2005), most computer
networks and ICT expertise were located in the North, and
info-development mostly involved rather technical matters of knowledge
and technology transfer from North to South. While still widely (and
even wildly) talked about, the assumption of a 'digital divide' that
follows this familiar geography of development has turned out to be too
simple. Instead, a more complex map of actors, networked in a global
info-politics, is emerging.
*20/06/2005*, International
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1>
WDR Online Dialogue: Diversifying Participation in Network Development
<http://www.regulateonline.org/content/view/434/40/>
The next WDR Online Dialogue is dedicated to the current WDR research
theme, Diversifying Participation in Network Development, and will be
held in the Dialogue section of this site, beginning 20 June 2005.
*23/06/2005*, Rwanda
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21845e_1>
The 2nd Rwanda ICT Convention: Theme: "e-Government: the Driving Force
for Socio-Economical Development"
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=32163>
Organized by AITEC in association with the Rwanda Information Technology
Authority (RITA). This premier conference and exhibition focuses on
meeting the challenges of putting electronic government into practice.
*28/06/2005*, Kenya <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21843e_1>
ICTe AFRICA 1st Continental Exhibition, Conference and Media Event
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=31278>
All Global roads lead to Nairobi, Kenya where ICTe AFRICA hosts the
inaugural continental ICT fair in partnership with the African
Telecommunication Union (ATU) and the Union of Radio and Television
Organisation of Africa (URTNA).
*29/06/2005*, South Africa
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1>
Thetha - World Summit on the Information Society, 29 June 2005
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33943>
SANGONeT will host a Thetha forum on 29 June 2005 to provide South
African civil society organisations (CSOs) with an opportunity to
reflect on the focus and objectives of WSIS and related processes. It
will also provide a platform to discuss the position of the South
African government and civil society in this regard. A similar meeting
will be held in Cape Town during July 2005.
*05/07/2005*, Nigeria
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21833e_1>
Africa Regional preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication
development Conference (WTDC-06), Abuja (Nigeria), 5-7 July 2005
<http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33449>
Africa Regional preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication
development Conference (WTDC-06), will be held in Abuja (Nigeria), 5-7
July 2005. The objective of these meetings is to adopt appropriate
development strategies at regional and subregional level.
//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
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,
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Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list:
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//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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