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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Apologies for cross-posting.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Harry<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
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face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> David Sawe
[mailto:david.sawe@eThinkTankTz.org] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Tuesday, July 11, 2006 10:45
AM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> Sharing With Other People
Network<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> [swopnet] Statement by
President Kikwete at Microsoft GLF-Africa</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face="Book Antiqua"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua";color:navy'>Greetings
colleagues,</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face="Book Antiqua"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua";color:navy'>Please receive a
copy of the keynote statement that our President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete read
yesterday morning at the Microsoft Government Leaders' Forum for Africa, in <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cape Town</st1:place></st1:City>. Below
the statement, I have pasted a photo of him with retired President Bill
Clinton, Chairman Bill Gates, at the Gala Dinner for Forum participants
yesterday evening. I apologise for the poor quality of the photo, but it
was taken while security guards were threatening me...</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face="Book Antiqua"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua";color:navy'>With regards
from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cape Town</st1:place></st1:City>,</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face="Book Antiqua"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Book Antiqua";color:navy'>David.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>STATEMENT
BY HIS EXCELLENCY JAKAY<u1:PersonName>A M</u1:PersonName>RISHO KIKWETE,
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED <u1:place><u1:PlaceType>REPUBLIC</u1:PlaceType> OF <u1:PlaceName>TANZANIA</u1:PlaceName></u1:place>,
AT THE MICROSOFT GOVERNMENT LEADERS’ FORUM – <u1:place>AFRICA</u1:place>, <u1:City><u1:place>CAPE
TOWN</u1:place></u1:City>, <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:120%'><u1:place><u1:PlaceType><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;
font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>REPUBLIC</span></font></b></st1:PlaceType><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'></u1:PlaceType>
OF <st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><u1:PlaceName>SOUTH AFRICA</st1:PlaceName></span></font></b></st1:place></u1:PlaceName></u1:place><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:120%'><u1:date Month="7" Day="10" Year="2006"><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>10<sup>TH</sup>
JULY, 2006<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></u1:date></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Your
Excellencies<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Heads of State and Government;<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>His
Excellency Bill Clinton,<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Mr. Bill
Gates, Chairman of Microsoft Corporation;<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Distinguished
Participants;<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:120%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:120%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Ladies
and Gentlemen.<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Let me start by saying what a
privilege it is to join you here this morning.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>It is a great honour for me to have the opportunity to address this
important Forum.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I thank Microsoft for
organizing the event for the second time in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>,
and I am also thankful to Chairman, Bill Gates for inviting me to participate
here.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I also wish to thank our hosts,
the Government of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on"><u1:place><u1:PlaceType>Republic</st1:PlaceType></u1:PlaceType>
of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><u1:PlaceName>South Africa</st1:PlaceName></st1:place></u1:PlaceName></u1:place>,
for the warmth of their hospitality and the excellent arrangements they have
made for this meeting.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span></font><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>This meeting is about <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>’s competitiveness in the
global market.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In a globalised world of
today, survival is predicated upon ability to compete in the global
marketplace.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is a function of being
able to produce goods and services which can compete in terms of quality,
affordability and availability.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>It is in essence a matter of
production capacity and efficiency.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>These in turn are very much influenced and enhanced by technology
particularly information and communications technology (ICT).<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Development and use of ICT is very central to
modern day production and development processes.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>ICT therefore is central not only to the
production process but also to other aspects of human life and activity such as
governance, tourism, education etc. where when used it engenders greater
efficiency and better services.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>In this context, it is indisputable
that the pace of <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>’s
development will necessarily rely upon the extent and depth of the ICT
Revolution.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>ICT offers a cross-cutting
and multisectoral resource that can be beneficial in many different ways.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In particular, ICT increases productivity and
efficiency in all sectors and facilitates the creation of new industries and
services, thereby augmenting growth and job opportunities.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>When the development of <u1:place>Europe</u1:place>
and other countries was being supported by the Industrial Revolution, <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place> was left out.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Even now in the era of ICT revolution, <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place> seems to be lagging far
behind others. <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
is the world’s last frontier in human and ICT development.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
needs, and deserves the assistance of the developed world.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is heartwarming indeed, to note that there
is this kind of initiative by Chairman Bill Gates which will enable us to
better identify priorities to bring <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
rapidly onto the <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><u1:Street><u1:address>Global
Information Highway</st1:address></st1:Street></u1:address></u1:Street>.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We thank you Chairman Bill Gates for your
foresight and for timely action.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><a
name="_Toc75796764"><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Given
the historical handicaps and the current infancy of </span></font></a><u1:place><st1:place
w:st="on"><span style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>Africa</span></font></span></st1:place></u1:place><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>’s ICT sector, African Governments and leaders
realize that we must be pro-active and adapt international best practices for
the continent to be able to raise its ICT standing.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We need to fast-track ICT development in the
continent.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>All of us in <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place> recognize the importance of
ICT for accelerated socio-economic growth, as policies are being formulated for
creating conducive environments for ICT development.<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span>There are a number of things that need to be done to bring <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place> into the ICT fold.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>One, we need to look at the infrastructure
facilities which will make ICT available in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They present a serious constraint to ICT
development in the Continent.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></font></span><span
style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial'>Most countries in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
and many areas within nations are not properly connected and are currently
dependent on expensive satellite technologies that are not affordable to
governments, businesses and the majority of our people.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We have to reduce dependence on the satellite
if we have to make fast progress.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is
in this regard for example, that our nations in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Eastern
Africa</st1:place></u1:place>, are ready to invest in the submarine cable (The
Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System - EASSy) to link our countries.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In my country, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:country-region><u1:place>Tanzania</st1:place></st1:country-region></u1:place></u1:country-region>,
we are making huge investment in a nationwide terrestrial optical fibre cable
network to connect the whole country up to the districts.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Later, of course, we intend to take it to the
villages.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Such heavy investments will
necessarily involve creating innovative partnerships among our public and
private sectors, and between us and our international development partners and
friends.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It is a matter of great comfort
and inspiration to observe that Microsoft has chosen to take a lead in lending
valuable support to <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
through cross-sectoral networking.<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<span style='mso-bookmark:_Toc75796764'></span>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>The
other thing that needs to be addressed is the question of human resources
development. <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>’s
competitiveness is essentially dependent on the skills of its people.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Our Continent’s future therefore, is
dependent upon our ability to develop our people’s skills to cope with the
rapidly evolving needs of the ever changing global and national
environment.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In that changing
environment, ICT is a major factor. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>This
means therefore that ICT development must be an integral part of the education
systems of our nations.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It should be
anchored properly in the curricula of our schools from the level of pre-school,
through primary, secondary, to tertiary education and vocational training.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This is a big challenge indeed to our
Governments, especially in the least developed ones, like mine, <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:country-region><u1:place>Tanzania</st1:place></st1:country-region></u1:place></u1:country-region>.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>But, because of its immeasurable contribution
towards promoting fast growth it is a cost we must bear.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>On the same vein, this is enough reason for
the developed world, governments institutions and for friends, to look
seriously into supporting the LDCs in ICT development.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%;mso-layout-grid-align:
none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%;mso-layout-grid-align:
none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span>Our nations and governments in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
should also appreciate the role the private sector in our respective nations
can play in ICT development.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We need to
promote and develop this partnership.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>I believe, in partnership with the private sector, our countries can
make faster progress in ICT as has been the case with other important
areas.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%;mso-layout-grid-align:
none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%;mso-layout-grid-align:
none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;
line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:
1'> </span>In the African continent where teachers are very scarce
compared to our needs, ICT could be used, and has been used in some cases to
extend the capability of teachers.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>ICT
can also be used to empower students to access higher quality learning
experience via educational software.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In
many instances, this effectively makes for the inadequacy and absence of
libraries, laboratories and other learning materials.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>It is
a pleasure to note that Microsoft has made substantial investments in this
particular field within <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>,
as well as elsewhere in the world.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>While applauding Chairman Bill Gates for this, may I make a humble
request to you, that you continue to extend this useful service a little more
and a little longer, to cover more countries and people.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>It is
now time for all of us to move beyond experimental pilot projects in
e-Education and to implement broadbased integrated strategies such as those
envisaged by NEPAD, among others.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Unless
we do so, the Digital Divide among the peoples of this continent will be
aggravated as ICT skills, access and benefits will remain the preserve of small
minorities.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;
mso-layout-grid-align:none'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>It is
therefore imperative for us to use ICT to enhance the quality of our
educational pipelines, as well as to expand its accessibility to our
people.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This will assist them to adopt
and adapt these tools in the context of their work places.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Let
me raise another important fact.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>This
relates to availability of PCs to the people so that they can make use of the
ICT.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They are not readily available and
too expensive to many to buy when available.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>African countries are unlikely to be able – on their own – to reduce the
cost of PCs and other ICT equipment so that they become as affordable as
cell-phones have now become.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They have
no leverage but the industry can do something.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>There are examples of what the industry can do.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Merely eight years ago, a cell-phone in my
country would cost close to US$2,000 and the equipment was nearly the size and
weight of a bricket.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The technology was
new then, and the subscriber base was barely measureable.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Now that handsets are easily available for
less than US$100, the user base has increased tremendously to close to
4,000,000 subscribers.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Over 10% of
Tanzanian population are subscribers.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>I am sure that similar measures towards the affordability
of access to ICT equipment would yield comparable results in terms of the user
base.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>However, because computers are
able to offer substantially more uses and productivity enhancements than
cellular phones, I firmly believe that our economic statistics will reflect an
even more pronounced and favourable impact.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>With the view to improve on affordability in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:country-region><u1:place>Tanzania</st1:place></st1:country-region></u1:place></u1:country-region>,
my predecessor His Excellency Benjamin W. Mkapa lifted duties and taxes on
computer equipment and other ICT equipment.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Still, in an economy where a sizeable population lives on less than one
dollar-a-day, it is quite unrealistic to expect many people to invest on
equipment worth two years of their income – and yet spend more money on
maintenance.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We need to do something on
this important matter.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>I am aware that Microsoft and partners are
working on improving the affordability of ICT for the end-user.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I applaud the work done thus far; it is my
hope and that of many of us in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
that we will soon enjoy its fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>The
other challenge for us in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
is the use of ICT in government, businesses, in tourism, in medicine, and in
everyday life.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Where ICT has been used
in government, delivery is fast and efficiency is increased.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>There is more transparency and corruption is
curbed.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In tourism, marketing is easy
and realization of financial proceeds is instant.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We need to get there. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
needs to be assisted to develop e-Government and e-tourism as much as we need
to be assisted to develop e-commerce.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Development
of a critical mass of African entrepreneurs, who are actively involved in the
process of <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>’s
integration into the global ICT highway, is essential for anchoring ICT in our
economies and societies. Further, ICT helps businesses to grow, small
businesses to become medium, local become global and able to compete
effectively in delivering affordable and quality goods and services on a timely
basis.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>E-commerce
is the way to do businesses in the globalised world.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It handles billions of dollars of business
per annum, yet only a mere small fraction of this revenue comes from <st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>. <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
is left on the periphery of this important vehicle of trade.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The development of innovation hubs and
incubators for ICT entrepreneurs, if accelerated could speed up the process of
enabling African entrepreneurs to become active participants in this. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><st1:place
w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>’s emerging entrepreneurs need
to be empowered and enabled, both technically and financially, to play a
meaningful role in ICT development in the continent. The growth of
entrepreneurs is currently slow, hampered by prohibitive costs of establishing
businesses, low accessibility to medium and long term loans, and high costs of
production. Some of these obstacles can be addressed internally, by the
entrepreneurs themselves and many by governments.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>Governments
have a crucial role to play in creating and supporting a conducive environment
in which these entrepreneurs can grow and thrive. They are charged with the
responsibility of ensuring that political, fiscal and monetary policies, as
well as legal and regulatory frameworks, are receptive and responsive to ICT
development. Many governments in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
have already created incentives and deliberate interventions to promote ICT
entrepreneurs in their respective countries.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Given
that the ICT development process contains both public and private dimensions,
it is noteworthy that <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
has woken up to the fact that Private-Public Partnerships are essential. Where
Private-Public Partnerships are actively utilized, the rate of digitization is
certainly accelerated. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Excellencies
and Distinguished Participants</span></font></b><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>, <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'>Before I
conclude, allow me at this point to reiterate and underscore the centrality of
ICT development in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It’s the way for us to take.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I also reiterate the need for support to ICT
development in <st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>. <span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:place>Africa</st1:place></u1:place>
needs to be assisted to be part of the global system by overcoming the
constraints relating to infrastructure, skills, PCs availability and
development of local entrepreneurship.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>While these areas are important, African Governments also need to ensure
that they develop conducive environments for ICT investments to grow
harmoniously.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In this context,
partnerships between private sectors and Governments will ultimately determine
the success of our endeavours in this age of Globalisation.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen;<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span></span></font> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span
style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></font><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>I wish to express my sincere appreciation to
Microsoft for demonstrating how the peering between ICT entrepreneurs of
developed and developing countries can be fostered in order to bridge the
digital divide. </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'> </span></font><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>And finally, may I take this opportunity to
once again thank Chairman Bill Gates for bringing together in this venue a
valuable network of African Government Leaders and other important players and
great personalities of world reknown like His Excellency Bill Clinton, former
President of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><u1:country-region><u1:place>United
States</st1:place></st1:country-region></u1:place></u1:country-region>, to
share ideas with one another on this dynamic field.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We look forward to useful exchanges.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><b
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span
style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Palatino Linotype";
font-weight:bold;mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Thank you for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><font size=5
face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><font
size=5 face="Palatino Linotype"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:150%;
font-family:"Palatino Linotype"'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:150%'><img
width=1025 height=455 id="_x0000_i1027" src="cid:image001.jpg@01C6A53D.F5765980"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><font
size=3 color=navy face="Book Antiqua"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:
150%;font-family:"Book Antiqua";color:navy'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center>
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No virus found in this outgoing message.<BR>
Checked by AVG Free Edition.<BR>
Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.10/383 - Release Date: 7/7/2006<BR>
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