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Dear all,<br>
<pre>Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates
No. 14, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor
Website chosen by our editors.
Editor
APC Africa Policy Monitor Website
<a href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/">http://africa.rights.apc.org/</a></pre>
NB: Apologies for cross posting<br>
<pre>//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
</pre>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Access <br>
</small></small></small></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2123535"
class="Tit3">East African fibre optic cable work to start in March
2006 </a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">26/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.monitor.co.ug/business/bus10263.php">The Monitor</a>)
-- </span>
The laying of the proposed fibre optic cable along the entire stretch
of the East African coast will start in March next year. This is
according to information provided by Uganda Telecom, which is chairing
one of the project's implementation committees. Upon completion, the
fible optic cable will interlink the region to two other undersea
cables serving South, West and Northern Africa and forming a highway
continental loop that connects Africa to the rest of the world. <span
class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2029967"
class="Tit3">Uganda: Bwindi gets telecentre</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.monitor.co.ug/">The
Monitor</a>) -- </span>
A state of the art multi-purpose community telecenter has been launched
in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kanungu district. The centre,
the first of its kind in Uganda, was set up by Conservation Through
Public Health (CTPH), a grass roots NGO working in Buhoma. It is
equipped with high-speed wireless Internet access and voice telephony
via satellite communication to connect the community and tourists to
the outside world <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=2085225"
class="Tit3">Ghana Internet eXchange (GIX) Launched</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">19/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.gixa.org.gh">(GIX) </a>)
-- </span>
On Tuesday 18th October 2005, the entire Internet fraternity in Ghana
would be gathered at the Ghana India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence
for the official launch of Ghana Internet eXchange (GIX @
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.gixa.org.gh">www.gixa.org.gh</a>)
in the company of the Hon. Minister of Communication
and the French Ambassador to Ghana. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1974140"
class="Tit3">South Africa: Wireless broadband report released</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">18/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.itweb.co.za">ITWeb</a>)
-- </span>
Sentech's MyWireless is the best broadband solution in SA, says the
wireless broadband report released by Johannesburg University's
broadband laboratory. <span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=1976346"
class="Tit3">Nigeria: Twist in BPE, Nitel & Sat- 3 Transatlantic
Cable Tale?</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">14/10/2005 (<a href="http://allafrica.com/">Allafrica</a>)
-- </span>
Reports carried in the media this week indicate that there may be some
contention between the BPE and the Ministry of Communications over the
future of Nitel SAT - 3 submarine cable following Nitel's impending
disposition by sale later this year. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><br>
<span class="themes"></span></p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Telecommunications</small></small></small></h1>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=2085389"
class="Tit3">South Africa: Broadband restores fixed-line trend</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><span class="Txt2"><br>
24/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.itweb.co.za">ITWeb</a>) -- </span>
Access to broadband is set to become the digital divide of the future,
and will drive fixed-line networks, which are expected to grow at a
faster rate than mobile networks, says Transtel CTO Dr Angus Hay.
Speaking at ITWeb's Wireless 2005 conference last week, Hay said SA's
telecommunications landscape is characterised by a lack of competition,
with a few large players dominating the fixed and mobile markets. <span
class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=2029801"
class="Tit3">Nigeria Federal Government to Sell Nitel Without Sat-3</a>
<img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 (<a href="http://allafrica.com/">Allfrica.com</a>)
-- </span>
Controversy surrounding the ownership of SAT-3 has been put to rest as
federal government has resolved to separate SAT-3 from Nigerian
Telecommunication Limited (NITEL). Communication Minister, Chief
Cornelus Adebayo said federal government has started the process of
selling the national asset. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1989924"
class="Tit3">CTO Publishes New Report on Impact of Telecoms in Poverty
Reduction</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">19/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.cto.int">CTO</a>) --
</span>The results of an international study into the impact of
telephones on
rural livelihoods and poverty reduction will be presented on 19 October
by the CTO and an international research consortium. Funded by the UK
Department for International Development (DfID), the report focuses on
the use of telephones and other information and communication
technologies (ICTs) by rural communities in Africa and Asia. Field
research for the study was undertaken in India, Mozambique and Tanzania
during 2004. <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1962449"
class="Tit3">New Wave of African VoIP Operators Emerge</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">17/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.balancingact-africa.com">Balancing Act</a>) -- </span>
Africa's grey market VoIP operators are coming out into the light as
attitudes and legislation change. The emergence of a VoIP service
providers sector could prove almost as significant for Africa as the
earlier emergence of independent ISPs. Because beyond the mobile
companies, it has been the entrepreneurial energy and lobbying of ISPs
that has driven regulatory change in many countries. <span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1962469"
class="Tit3">Kenya: Telkom Raises Phone Tariffs By 16pc</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">15/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.eastandard.net/">East
African Standard</a>) -- </span>
Telkom Kenya yesterday raised cost of local telephone calls by 16 per
cent. In the new tariff structure that comes into effect on November 1,
local calls will cost Sh10 per three minutes up from Sh8.60. In a bid
to promote trade and communication within the East African Community,
the cost of calls to Uganda and Tanzania went down by 25 per cent.<span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=1976346"
class="Tit3">Nigeria: Twist in BPE, Nitel & Sat- 3 Transatlantic
Cable Tale?</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">14/10/2005 (<a href="http://allafrica.com/">Allafrica</a>)
-- </span>
Reports carried in the media this week indicate that there may be some
contention between the BPE and the Ministry of Communications over the
future of Nitel SAT - 3 submarine cable following Nitel's impending
disposition by sale later this year. <span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<br>
<p> </p>
<span class="themes"></span><b>News > Content and Language<big><big><big> </big></big></big></b>
<p><!-- view 715 begin (IR Africa Policy News) --></p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=2085227"
class="Tit3">SANGONeT Launches South African NGO Portal</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">24/10/2005 (<a href="http://sangonet.org.za/portal/">Sangonet</a>)
-- </span>
The Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) is pleased to announce the
launch of a new Internet portal for and about the NGO sector in South
Africa. This portal is primed to become the gateway to the South
African NGO sector, boasting the most comprehensive, validated and
easily searchable NGO directory in the country, containing information
about more than 2 500 organisations. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=33941"
class="Tit3">South Africa: New licensing conditions for SABC </a> </span><br>
<span class="Txt2">14/06/2005 (<a href="http://www.businessday.co.za/">BusinessDay
</a>) -- </span>
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.<span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"><br>
<br>
</span> </p>
<p><b>News > E-Governance & E-Commerce<br>
</b></p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=2029970"
class="Tit3">Namibia: Information Staff Play Crucial Role says Minister</a>
<img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.newera.com.na/">NewEra</a>)
-- </span>
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,
says strategic planning workshops are essential in the operation of any
institution as they give an opportunity to reflect on the past and map
out the way forward. <span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=1501165"
class="Tit3">South Africa govt ICT challenges not unique</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">20/09/2005 (<a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/">ITWeb</a>)
-- </span>
The ICT challenges that South African government departments face are
not unique, but part of a global challenge, delegates at a government
conference organised by the Business Zone at the Rosebank Hotel heard
yesterday.<br>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21864ne_1&x=1962663"
class="Tit3">Kigali-Mombasa Trade Soon On Internet</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">15/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.newtimes.co.rw/">NewTimes</a>)
-- </span>
The delay of Rwandan merchandise at Mombasa port will soon end when the
Kenyan government introduces internet transaction system.The new
developments will enable Rwandan traders to monitor the arrival and
departure of their merchandise at Mombasa Port through the internet to
be installed next year. <br>
<br>
<span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Freedom of Expression & Media<br>
</small></small></small></h1>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2123706"
class="Tit3">Nigeria: Journalists Push for Legal Reforms to Safeguard
Free Expression</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ifex.org/">IFEX</a>)
-- </span>
Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have
called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information
bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom
of expression. At a workshop organised last week in Lagos by Media
Rights Agenda and the World Bank Institute (WBI), some 50 participants
adopted a statement that urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to pass the
Freedom of Information Bill, which has been pending before parliament
since 1999.<br>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=1962589"
class="Tit3">Botswana: Gaborone Broadcasting Company (GBC) licence
renewed </a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">16/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?">BOPA </a>) -- </span>
Botswanas only private television station, Gaborone Broadcasting
Company (GBC) has been awarded a 15-year broadcasting licence on
condition that it fulfils all the license provisions.<span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<br>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Intellectual Property<br>
</small></small></small></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=2028229"
class="Tit3">IP Charter With ‘Public Interest Checklist’ For
Governments Launched</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">20/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ip-watch.org">IP-Watch</a>)
-- </span>
A high-level group of legal scholars, artists, scientists and experts
has launched an initiative urging governments to change the global
intellectual property scheme which they argue has shifted too much
toward private interests at the expense of the public.<span
class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=1899587"
class="Tit3">2005 WIPO General Assembly Continues Support for
Development Agenda</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">13/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ipjustice.org/">IP
Justice</a>) -- </span>
In its annual meeting from 26 Sept. - 5 Oct. 2005 in Geneva, the
General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) remained firm in its commitment to incorporating a "Development
Agenda" for reform at WIPO, a UN Specialized Agency.<span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Laws and Regulation</small></small></small></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2123706"
class="Tit3">Nigeria: Journalists Push for Legal Reforms to Safeguard
Free Expression</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ifex.org/">IFEX</a>)
-- </span>
Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have
called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information
bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom
of expression. At a workshop organised last week in Lagos by Media
Rights Agenda and the World Bank Institute (WBI), some 50 participants
adopted a statement that urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to pass the
Freedom of Information Bill, which has been pending before parliament
since 1999. <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2124005"
class="Tit3">South Africa: New ICT lobby group chair to continue push
for sector reforms </a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.businessday.co.za/">Businessday</a>)
-- </span>
The Communications Users Association of SA’s (Cuasa’s) new chairperson
Edwin Thompson today said it would continue to lobby for legislative
and regulatory pressure to yield effective competition in the
telecommunications and other information and communications technology
(ICT) sectors. <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<h1><!-- view 715 begin (IR Africa Policy News) --></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=2085391"
class="Tit3">South Africa: ICASA hearings begin in Parliament</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">24/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/">ITWeb</a>)
-- </span>
Proposed changes to the mechanism of appointing Independent
Communication Authority of SA (ICASA) councillors was a bone of
contention in Parliament today. In the first day of public hearings
before the parliamentary portfolio committee of communications on the
ICASA amendment Bill, representatives from ICASA, the SA Post Office,
Internet Solutions and the Freedom of Expression Institute expressed
concerns that the appointment of ICASA councillors would be taken out
of Parliament's hands and given to a committee appointed by the
minister of communications.<br>
<br>
</p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > National ICT Strategies</small></small></small><br>
</h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2085424"
class="Tit3">Botswana: ICT can contribute to poverty eradication </a>
<img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">24/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.mmegi.bw/">Mmegi</a>)
-- </span>
Government should empower the poor by way of giving them access to
information, an official at Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA)
has said. BTA senior manager - department of broadcasting regulation -
Oshinka Tsiang told participants at a three-day World Summit on the
Information Society (WSIS) consultative workshop on Tuesday. <br>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=1962506"
class="Tit3">West African regulators agree on common IT framework</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">14/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.businessdayonline.com">Businessday</a>) -- </span>
The West African sub-region is gradually moving towards common
information and Communication Technology (ICT) market as regulators
from the sub-region have reached a landmark agreement on a common
regulatory framework for the sector.<br>
<span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p> </p>
<span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
<p> </p>
<span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span></p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Security and Privacy</small></small></small></h1>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21875ne_1&x=1885669"
class="Tit3">South Africa: Draft privacy protection law released</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><span class="Txt2"><br>
12/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.itweb.co.za/">ITWeb</a>) -- </span>
Protection of privacy and data draft legislation and discussion
documents have been issued by the SA Law Reform Commission for public
comment. The aim is to bring SA closer to international standards.<!-- view 715 begin (IR Africa Policy News) -->
<h1><small><small><small>News > Software</small></small></small> <br>
</h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21876ne_1&x=2030189"
class="Tit3">Zambia Minister roots for Open Source Software</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.times.co.zm/">Times
of Zambia</a>) -- </span>
The Zambia Communications and Transport Deputy Minister Harrigan
Mazimba has said that open source technology was a new phenomenon in
the African context but if well implemented it would contribute to
growth of Zambia’s economy. He said for this goal to be achieved there
is need to understand the “Open Source” concept well. <span
class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21876ne_1&x=1847045"
class="Tit3">Open Source Agreed In UN Information Society Summit
Preparations</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">10/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ip-watch.org/">IP-Watch</a>)
-- </span>
Encouragement for the use of free and open source software and open
standards for science and technology has quietly worked its way into
the draft texts being prepared for the November second phase of the
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).<br>
<span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > Training and Education</small></small></small></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=2085670"
class="Tit3">Ethiopia: A regional ICT training Center to be
established </a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">24/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.ena.gov.et">ENA</a>)
-- </span>
A regional ICT training Center will be established in Amhara State
during the current year, the State Capacity Building Bureau said.
Public Relations Officer with the Bureau, Wudneh Gezahegn told ENA on
Sunday that creating skilled manpower enabling to make use of ICT for
good governance and development will be given priority during the
reported period. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<h1><small><small><small>News > WSIS<br>
</small></small></small></h1>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2124002"
class="Tit3">NGOs plan „Citizens’ Summit“ in Tunis</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 (<a href="http://www.worldsummit2005.org/">Worldsummit2005</a>)
-- </span>
A coalition of civil society organizations today announced they will
hold a major parallel event when the WSIS summit meets in Tunis less
than four weeks from now. This development was triggered by two
developments: The first is a lack of meaningful civil society inclusion
in the preparatory process, as again was stated publicly during the
last meeting of the PrepCom in September. The second reason is the
growing suppression of independent voices in the summit host country
Tunisia. The “Citizens’ Summit on the Information Society (CSIS)” is
therefore organized together with independent Tunisian civil society
groups. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2124015"
class="Tit3">Botswana: WSIS workshop participants identify ICT
bottlenecks</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?">BOPA</a>) -- </span>
Botswana will only claim its stake in the information society if
stakeholders in the implementation of the information and
communications technology projects coordinate their activities.
Participants at last weeks World Summit on the Information Society
(WSIS) national workshop in Gaborone believe all need to work together
for Botswana to keep pace with information communication technology
developments. <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2129186"
class="Tit3">Mozambique sets up committee for November WSIS in Tunisia</a>
<img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/">AngolaPress</a>) -- </span>
Mozambique has set up a national committee to help prepare for the
country`s participation in the November World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS) in Tunisia, Science and Technology Minister Venancio
Massingue said here Wednesday. <span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=2029974"
class="Tit3"> Tunis 2005 WSIS: finishing touches brought to the Kram
Palexpo as summit nears</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">20/10/2005 (<a
href="http://www.tunisiaonlinenews.com">Tunisia Online</a>) -- </span>
Twenty six days before the official launching of the Tunis WSIS, the
Summit’s main exhibition hall, the Kram Palexpo situated north of the
capital, is getting ready for the greatest international gathering in
Tunisia’s history. <span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span>
</p>
<p><br>
<span class="countries"></span><span class="themes"></span> </p>
<p><br>
</p>
<pre>//\//\//\//\//\//\/ -<b>INFORMATION & RESOURCES </b>- //\//\//\//\//\//\/
</pre>
<h1><small><small><small>Reports<br>
</small></small></small></h1>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1517985"
class="Tit3">Interconnection costs</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/09/2005 -- </span> The world is still in the
middle of a seismic shift in communication architectures as
internet-based networks steadily replace the circuit-switched systems
that were designed for voice, while rapid innovation continues to throw
new technologies into the mix. We are still in a relatively early stage
of this evolution, and as a result, internet interconnection issues are
complex, fast changing and not well understood.<br>
<br>
<span class="countries"></span></div>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1973771"
class="Tit3">Information Society or Knowledge Societies? Unesco in the
Smart State</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">18/10/2005 -- </span> The chapters in this volume
canvasses the dialogue emerging from discussions about the WSIS
Statement of Principles and Plan of Action in the context of local,
national and international communication policies. It also offers some
insights to WSIS participants, which may be helpful when it comes to
evaluating the process in Tunis and beyond. The various authors discuss
the WSIS Statement of Principles and Plan of Action from multiple
perspectives, offering insights into the key challenges facing the
process and offering alternative frameworks for the management of
communication rights. <br>
<br>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1976879"
class="Tit3">‘Spits and spurts’ ICT advocacy and the media in Africa –
the CATIA experience</a> <img src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org"
align="texttop" height="13" width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">18/10/2005 -- </span> The media can be active
catalysts for change in Africa, and don’t have to be neutral bystanders
as the complex ICT landscape on the continent unfolds. That’s one of
the findings of a report commissioned by Catalysing Access to ICTs in
Africa (CATIA), a three year programme funded by the Department for
International Development in collaboration with other donors. <br>
<span class="countries"></span>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1899065"
class="Tit3">ICANN, Internet governance and Africa</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">13/10/2005 -- </span> The Collaboration for
International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) has
published ICANN, Internet governance and Africa, a public briefing on
the current status and key points of the debate that provides essential
background for the second phase of the World Summit on Information
Society (WSIS). <span class="themes"></span>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1975467"
class="Tit3">Kenya: Nairobi Software Freedom Day Event Report</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">10/10/2005 -- </span> The 10th of September 2005
was
designated by advocates of free and open-source software (FOSS) the
Software Freedom Day. Every year on that day, campaigns are held across
the world to sensitize people about the benefits and availability of
open-source software. Although the concept is an initiative of the
nonprofit company Software Freedom International, it's actualized by
grassroots free software advocates.<span class="themes"></span>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1825661"
class="Tit3">New Study: Open Access Models: Options for Improving
Backbone Access In Developing Countries</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">09/10/2005 -- </span> InfoDev has just published a
report on how open access can help improve infrastructure development
in Sub-Saharan Africa. Called Open Access Models: The Study by
SPINTRACK AB explores (1) opportunities for leveraging new technologies
to increase access and functionality of existing infrastructure; (2)
the design and implementation of open access models for infrastructure;
and (3) the potential role of public financing in expanding
infrastructure roll-out in Sub-Saharan Africa. <span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"></span><br>
<span class="countries"></span><br>
<b><br>
<span class="countries"></span>Discussion Papers</b>
<br>
<br>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2029739"
class="Tit3">"Digital Dangers: Information and Communication
Technologies and Trafficking in Women" </a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 -- </span> It seems unlikely that
whoever
coined the term 'information superhighway' anticipated that the traffic
on the internet would be in people, as well as information. How, and
how much, the internet and other ICTs are implicated in trafficking is
the subject of this issue paper by The Association for Progressive
Communications Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) produced
in cooperation with The Association for Women's Rights in Development
(AWID). <span class="countries"></span>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2029799"
class="Tit3">Reframing the Role of Telecentres in Development </a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">21/10/2005 -- </span> Telecentres – public
locations
for accessing ICTs – have formed an important part of "e-development"
strategies for donors, NGOs, governments and the private sector in
recent years. At one time, they were a centrepiece of such strategies
but more recently have somewhat fallen from favour. Where do we stand
today on telecentres? <br>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1958945"
class="Tit3">Free and Open Source Software: A Blind Alley for
Developing Countries?</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">17/10/2005 -- </span> There is considerable
interest
in the "e-development" community about FOSS: free and open source
software. It is argued to be cheaper and more customisable than
proprietary software; it is argued to be a potential kick-starter for
the local IT industry; it merits a mention in the WSIS Plan of Action.
So what is its likely trajectory?<br>
<span class="countries"></span><br>
<br>
<b>Opinion<br>
<br>
</b>
<div><img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=2124192"
class="Tit3">Tanzania's mobile phone firms should lower tariffs</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">25/10/2005 -- </span> Mobile telephony has
registered phenomenal growth in Tanzania in the last decade. In 1995,
there were only 2,198 mobile phone lines; by last year there were
1,942,000. In contrast, fixed telephone lines increased from 88,000 to
148,000 lines in the same period. While mobile lines have been growing,
the fixed line service has been degenerating. In fact, the number of
fixed lines were fewer last year than in 1999. Last year, 93 per cent
of telephone subscribers had mobile lines with fixed lines accounting
for only 7 per cent. <span class="countries"></span><span
class="themes"></span>
<div class="rellinks">
</div>
</div>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1433861"
class="Tit3">UN summit should provide a good opportunity for Africa to
lobby for support to fund ICT efforts</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">16/09/2005 -- </span> This week’s UN General
Assembly (UNGA), exactly two months before the Tunis World Summit on
the Information Society (WSIS), gives Africa a perfect opportunity to
lobby rich-world leaders to support a long-term mechanism to fund
information and communication technology for development (ICT4D). <span
class="countries"></span></div>
<br>
<img src="cid:part1.02070907.05060206@apc.org" align="texttop"
height="13" width="13"> <span class="Tit3"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=1434278"
class="Tit3">Why Cyber Crime Persists in Nigeria</a> <img
src="cid:part2.03050001.09070704@apc.org" align="texttop" height="13"
width="12"></span><br>
<span class="Txt2">16/09/2005 -- </span> “While agreeing that greed
forms a major causative factor in the spread of cyber crime in Nigeria,
one cannot actually shy away from the fact that the harsh economic
situation in the country, which has created mass unemployment and of
course the high rate of corruption in the society is the fuel that fans
its embers." <span class="countries"></span><br>
<br>
<br>
<div>
<div class="rellinks"><span class="countries"></span>
<pre>//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - <b>UPCOMING EVENTS</b> - //\//\//\//\//\//\/
</pre>
<br>
<p><span class="Txt2"><b>07/11/2005</b></span>, <span class="countries"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1">South
Africa</a></span><br>
<a href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1500329">Government
Technology World Africa 2005</a><br>
The Government Technology World Africa 2005 conference will address the
key strategic issues surrounding the use of technology in Government.
With a strong case study base, the conference draws on the knowledge
and experience of a host of well-renowned speakers and panelists from
throughout Africa and internationally.
</p>
<p><span class="Txt2"><b>14/11/2005</b></span>, <span class="countries"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21809e_1">Tunisia</a></span><br>
<a href="http://irfd.org/events/wf2005/">World Forum on Information
Society</a><br>
The International Research Foundation for Development is organizing the
second phase of its World Forum on Information Society to be held in
Tunis in November 2005 in view of the United Nations World Summit on
the Information Society - November 16-18, 2005.
</p>
<p><span class="Txt2"><b>16/11/2005</b></span>, <span class="countries"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21809e_1">Tunisia</a></span><br>
<a href="http://www.itu.int/wsis/tunis/index.html"> World Summit on the
Information Society, Second Phase: 16-18 November 2005</a><br>
The World Summit on the Information Society is held in two phases. The
second phase of WSIS will take place in Tunis hosted by the Government
of Tunisia from 16 to 18 November 2005.
</p>
<p><span class="Txt2"><b>17/11/2005</b></span>, <span class="countries"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1">International</a></span><br>
<a href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1847194">Legal
Issues in the Global Information Society</a><br>
In connection with the Tunis Summit, the Center for International Legal
Studies will present a seminar on legal issues relating the
distribution and use of intellectual property and technology.<br>
</p>
<p><span class="Txt2"><b>08/01/2006</b></span>, <span class="countries"><a
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21849e_1">Uganda</a></span><br>
<a href="http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=1974142">Africa
Source II - Kalangala, Uganda - Jan 08-Jan 15, 2006</a><br>
Africa Source II will be an eight day hands-on workshop aimed at
building the technical skills of those working with and within NGOs on
the continent. It will take place in one of the most beautiful parts of
the Kalangala Island on Victoria Lake during the beginning of January
2006.
</p>
<p>//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//</p>
<p><br>
ABOUT APC<br>
<br>
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international<br>
network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and<br>
supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of<br>
information and communication technologies, especially internet-related<br>
technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer<br>
practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an<br>
international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and<br>
related concerns, in both policy and practice.<br>
APC: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.apc.org">http://www.apc.org</a>.<br>
<br>
APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa<br>
<br>
APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute<br>
to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive<br>
policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT<br>
Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations<br>
to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society<br>
based on social justice and human rights.<br>
<br>
APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://africa.rights.apc.org">http://africa.rights.apc.org</a><br>
<br>
The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the<br>
International Research Development Centre (IDRC).<br>
<br>
<br>
//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//<br>
<br>
To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes,<br>
get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa<br>
Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing
list:<br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public">http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public</a><br>
<br>
or send an email to<br>
<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:africa.rights@apc.org">africa.rights@apc.org</a><br>
<br>
//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//<br>
<br>
</p>
</div>
</div>
<br>
<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna
Africa Policy Monitor Project
Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
Email: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:africa.rights@apc.org">africa.rights@apc.org</a> or <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:njenga@apc.org">njenga@apc.org</a>
Web: <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://africa.rights.apc.org">http://africa.rights.apc.org</a>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</pre>
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