While policies and strategies must address the extension of the communications infrastructure through telecommunications reform to stimulate private sector growth and create job opportunities, this is a necessary but by no means sufficient condition for an effective ICT contribution to national development goals. ICT policy and strategies must also incorporate social goals by building human capacity and creating the conditions for the development of relevant applications and content.
ICT policies and strategies have to do with education, health, agriculture, culture and all other areas of activity that impact on quality of life. They can be integrated into sectoral as well as broad national policies and strategies; for example countries may commit to introducing ICTs into schools in order to expand educational opportunities and increase the supply of ICT-literate graduates; they may extend internet access to rural clinics to improve the delivery of health services. As the use of the internet expands within countries a host of specific issues emerge: privacy and security, intellectual property rights, access to government information are examples.
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On National ICT Strategies in the APC Monitor
View all news on National ICT Strategies
 KENYA: e-Waste study and network launched 
03/01/2008 (KICTANeT) --
A baseline study into e-waste in Kenya has been launched at a meeting held in Nairobi recently. The meeting, on November 21 at the Jacaranda Hotel, was organised by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANeT), and attended by over 30 representatives of business, government, the non-profit sector and the media. An e-waste network was also set up at the meeting.
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ZIMBABWE: Booting through sunlight
05/03/2008 () --
In the absence of a reliable supply of other energy sources, the Zimbawean government has launched a programme to promote the use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy for computers in schools.
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NIGERIA: Duties to tackle e-waste
10/03/2008 () --
Nigeria is to introduce import duties to stem the influx of substandard and unserviceable computers, electrical and electronic appliances posing health and environmental hazards in the country. "They are bringing them in droves because they are classified as educational materials which attract zero duty," said Information Minister John Odey.
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Kenya gets consumer protection
14/03/2008 (HANA) --
The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), the telecommunications industry regulator in that country, has stepped up consumer protection following the creation of a Consumer Affairs Division.
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Nokia launches recycling initiative in East Africa
06/04/2008 () --
Nokia has launched a recycling initiative in East Africa that offers consumers a structured way to dispose of old mobile phones and accessories. The move comes amid fears that cast-off mobile phones are posing an increasing risk of hazardous toxic chemicals in the developing world.
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KENYA: Infrastructure merchants get go ahead
24/04/2008 (Computerworld Africa) --
Faced with rising infrastructure costs, the Kenyan government is set to issue licences to companies dedicated to building telecom infrastructure. The move is expected to lower the infrastructure costs for telecom operators - especially new entrants.
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APC supports call against more chemicals in PCs
05/05/2008 (APC) --
APC is supporting environmentalists’ calls for South Africa to oppose moves to increase the use of fire retardant chemicals in electronics. More chemicals could increase the difficulty and danger in recycling electronic waste, or e-waste, and may pose serious health risks to consumers.
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Global call to back free and open standards
19/05/2008 (Tectonic) --
The Digital Standards Organization (Digistan) and its supporters are calling on governments around the globe to use only free and open standards. The organisation, which was set up to defend and promote open digital standards, plans to adopt the Hague Declaration on May 21. Organisations and individuals supporting the effort are also being asked to sign the declaration.
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Breeding toxins from dead PCs
13/06/2008 (Guardian) --
The dumping of the developed world's electronic trash, or e-waste, is in direct contravention of international legislation and is causing serious health problems for inhabitants of the shanty towns that have sprung up amid the smouldering dumps in Lagos and Accra. The Guardian's Richard Wray reports.
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e-WASTE: First round to the environment at the IEC
13/06/2008 () --
A majority in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has rejected a move to put more flame-retardant chemicals in electronics. But environmentalists caution that one battle has not won the war on environmentally hazardous technology.
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See all documents on National ICT Strategies
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Equitable access in education
24/07/2008 --
The debate is no longer whether to use ICTs in education in Africa, but how to do so, and how to ensure equitable access for teachers and learners, the authors of a new book argue.
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e-GOVERNMENT: Does it work?
14/06/2008 --
Governments around the world have invested heavily in e-government. Behind this investment is the strong belief that the use of technology would lead to better government performance, improved quality of democracy and enhanced citizens’ trust in governments. The Eldis website looks at the key issues.
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Thinking through e-governance
06/04/2008 --
This book presents the context, theory, and current thinking on the interaction between ICTs and local governance, particularly in Africa. It discusses the shift from "government” to “e-governance,” describes the role of local-level authorities, and presents the benefits and limitations of introducing ICTs in government operations. Case studies from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda describe local ICT governance projects executed by civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government authorities.
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New policy framework tool
04/02/2008 --
A new publication offers policymakers in emerging markets a framework to enable them to provide sustainable and workable solutions to the challenges of digital inclusion. The publication was commissioned by LIRNE.NET as part of its World Dialogue on Regulation for Network Economies programme.
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KENYA: ICT Board unveils strategy
19/02/2008 --
The Kenya ICT Board recently unveiled its ICT strategy for the country, and has invited industry comment. This link downloads the strategy presentation.
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