[Kictanet] APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e updates No.9

FYI -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Africa-CS-WSIS]APC Africa-ICT-Policy Monitor] e updates No.9 Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 19:20:25 +1000 From: Emmanuel Njenga <njenga@apc.org> Reply-To: africa@wsis-cs.org To: africa@wsis-cs.org Dear all, Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 9, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website chosen by our editors. The content is categorised by theme and country to allow you to view items in the following main sections of the website; - News - Information & Resources - Upcoming Events Do send us your feedback, comments or news on ICT policy issues and we will be glad to add these onto the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website. Kind Regards, Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website: http://africa.rights.apc.org/ Email: africa.rights@apc.org //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -* NEWS *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/ News > Access & Telecommunications ITU to launch new global telecommunication development initiative <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34089> 16/06/2005 (ITU <http://www.itu.int/>) -- On Thursday 16 June ITU (today) will launch an innovative new development initiative designed to harness the expertise and experience of players from the public and private sectors, government and civil society in a bid to connect the unconnected by 2015. Kenya: Industry roots for lower ICT costs <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33981> 15/06/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- Stakeholders in the Information and Communications (ICT) want the sub-sector's high operating costs lowered to allow greater access to the service. Dr Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of African Regional Centre for Commuting, said there was urgent need for Kenya to be linked to the information superhighway for lower costs. Nigeria: British company brings payphone services to rural Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=34079> 14/06/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) -- A British company is about to bring cell phone use to isolated areas of Africa and will be displaying the system at the forthcoming West Africa Telecom 2005(Wafritel) show in Lagos next week. Pay phone that operates like a cell phone on any cellular network A public telephone developed by equatel accepts both pre-paid and "pay-as-you-go" (PAYG) SIM cards that are both rechargeable and personal. Ethiopia Telecoms reduces internet use payments effective Monday <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33949> 13/06/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et/>) -- Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has announced a drammatic reduction in the payment for internet service effective Monday 13 June 2005. ETC has facilitated the way for subscribers to use dial-up, leased line or shared diesel internet services for reasonable payments, Corporation's Communication Affairs Manager Abdurahim Ahmed told ENA on Sunday. Ghana Telcom to introduce pre-paid system for homes <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33777> 07/06/2005 (Ghanaweb <http://www.ghanaweb.com/>) -- Ghana Telecom (GT) will introduce a pre-paid telephone system in homes by December this year as an alternative to cutting down billing complaints. The new system would enable customers to recharge their credits on their accounts with top-up cards whereas the units will run according to the number and duration of calls, says GT's General Manager in charge of Strategy Business Development, Mr Emanuel Dziko. Kenya: Firm to launch Sh160m gateway <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=33704> 06/06/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/>) -- A new internet gateway firm, UUNet Communications, is set to roll out services at an initial cost of Sh160 million this month. The firm is a subsidiary of UUNet Kenya, and the money is short term financing setup and operations, with more investment planned for later, depending on market growth and the needs of the firm's clientele. *News > Censorship* Zimbabwe: Mugabe to crack down on internet use <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781ne_1&x=33951> 10/06/2005 (Zimbabwe Online <http://www.zimonline.co.za/>) -- Zimbabwe plans to outlaw the dissemination through the internet of information and material it deems offensive, President Robert Mugabe said during a ceremony to mark the opening of Parliament boycotted by the opposition yesterday (9th June 2005). <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781se_1> Zimbabwe: Minister accused of interfering with editorial content <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29781ne_1&x=33702> 06/06/2005 (MISA/IFEX <http://www.ifex.org/>) -- Zimbabwe's deputy Minister of Information and Publicity Bright Matonga has been accused of interfering with the editorial content of reports by the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH). According to the 2 June 2005 edition of the weekly "Financial Gazette", Matonga has taken to personally editing stories for the main 20h00 news bulletin. *News > Content and Language * South Africa: New licensing conditions for SABC <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21871ne_1&x=33941> 14/06/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessday.co.za/>) -- The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) will impose new conditions on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) - which will result in local languages getting more airtime - with effect from April next year, the regulator said today. News > E-Governance Gambia: Stakeholders Define the Gambia's e-strategy <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=33947> 10/06/2005 (UNECA <http://www.uneca.org/>) -- In collaboration with the Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOCIT) of the Government of The Gambia, the Development Information Services Division (DISD) of the ECA held a 2-day stakeholders' workshop on "Building an Inclusive Information Society in the Gambia" from 6 to 7 June 2005 in Banjul. South Africa: Gauteng launches public portal <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=33771> 08/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- An e-government portal has been launched to improve efficiency and allow the public access to provincial government information and services. The portal, launched in Tembisa by Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will give members of the public access to e-government information and services. News > Intellectual Property Nigeria loses over N100bn to copyright piracy <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=34081> 15/06/2005 (BusinessDay Online <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) -- Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) Adebambo Adewopo, has said Nigeria loses up to N100 billion to copyright piracy annually. Adewopo disclosed this at a sensitization workshop on Strategic Action Against Piracy (STRAP) for the commission's zonal coordinators, where he lamented that the high rate of piracy had impacted negatively on the growth of the creative industry and by extension, the economy of Nigeria. Botswana: Moroka to table Copyright Amendment Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=34087> 15/06/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- Minister of Trade and Industry, Neo Moroka is expected to table the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill of 2005 in the July session of Parliament to enhance the protection of owners of copyright. Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, 2005 was published in the Government Gazette on June 10, 2005. Agreement out of reach in WIPO patent harmonisation talks <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21868ne_1&x=33700> 04/06/2005 (IP Watch <http://www.ip-watch.org/>) -- Governments' failure to reach agreement on a way forward on patent harmonisation talks at the World Intellectual Property Organisation today (3rd June) has cast a pall on the future of the issue within the U.N. body, sources said. News > Internet Governance Brazil proposes sweeping Internet Governance reforms <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21869ne_1&x=34009> 15/06/2005 (ICANNWATCH <http://www.icannwatch.org/>) -- As the UN Working Group on Internet Governance enters into its last public consultation this week, an English translation of an official proposal from the government of Brazil was released by Brazilian WGIG member Carlos Afonso. News > Laws and Regulation South Africa: No redraft for Convergence Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=34091> 16/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za>) -- Members of Parliament and the Department of Communications have rejected suggestions that the Convergence Bill should be redrafted. This emerged yesterday during the sixth day of hearings on the Convergence Bill before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications. Kenya: Society seeks law to regulate IT sector <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=33868> 12/06/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=22695>) -- The Computer Society of Kenya (CSK) wants parliament to enact a law recognising it as the regulator of the ICT sub-sector. The association said supportive legislation needed to manage development of the sub-sector and establish an ethical framework. Nigeria: GSM operators lobby for extension of exclusivity period <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=33773> 07/06/2005 (BusinessDay <http://www.businessdayonline.com/>) -- There is intense lobbying by GSM operators to force the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend the five-year exclusivity period granted them in 2001 which expires February 2006. Following this, the NCC has indicated interest in a declaration of post exclusivity period upon which more operators would be licensed to provide digital mobile phone (GSM) services in the country under the commission's unification of license exercise. News > Media Guinea: Government finally agrees to open up airwaves <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21872ne_1&x=33698> 03/06/2005 (IRIN News <http://www.irinnews.org/>) -- The government of Guinea has finally agreed to open up the airwaves to privately owned radio and television, but not to political parties or religious groups, according to a government statement read out on television. News > National ICT Strategies Kenya: Industry roots for lower ICT costs <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33981> 15/06/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- Stakeholders in the Information and Communications (ICT) want the sub-sector's high operating costs lowered to allow greater access to the service. Dr Shem Ochuodho, the chairman of African Regional Centre for Commuting, said there was urgent need for Kenya to be linked to the information superhighway for lower costs. Bostwana: BEDIA chief criticizes IT companies <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33939> 13/06/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi>) -- Botswana Export Development Investment Authority (BEDIA) Chief Executive Officer Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba has condemned local information technology (IT) companies for their laid back attitude on pertinent matters. In her opening remarks at ITEX 2005 she said such a gesture sends a wrong signal to potential investors. Namibia Unveils ICT Policy <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=33775> 08/06/2005 (NewEra <http://www.newera.com.na/>) -- In an effort to address insurmountable educational challenges and in order to give Namibia the edge on the global information technology arena, the Ministry of Education has unveiled its Information and Communication Technology Policy. News > Training and Education Namibia: Youth Project Gets N$2m <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=34075> 15/06/2005 (NewEra <http://www.newera.com.na/>) -- The Social Security Commission of Namibia (SSC) through its development fund has transferred N$2 million to the Ministry of Education for the National Information and Communication Technology Scheme. The donation demonstrates the importance attached by the SSC to Information Communication Technology (ICT) needs and the expansion of this vital field within the country. *News > WSIS* Sangonet to host forum on WSIS <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=29740ne_1&x=33945> 13/06/2005 (ITWeb <http://www.itweb.co.za/>) -- Sangonet is to host a forum this month to brief South African civil society organisations on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) on June 29th. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ Gender Issues in ICT and Poverty Reduction <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=33993> 15/06/2005 -- The presentation looks at current ICT for poverty reduction strategies and how these strategies are impacting on women's economic empowerment. It reflects on evaluations of general ICT for poverty reduction projects and initiatives that are now being released by various institutions that are engaged in this work. It profiles approaches or initiatives that addresses empowerment of women in a sustainable and wholistic way. From this initial analysis, strategies towards developing policies that directly address gender equality and women's empowerment in national and international are recommended. Why national strategies are needed for ICT-enabled development <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34045> 15/06/2005 -- This paper explores the need for national strategies for ICT-enabled development. It aims to improve understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the ICT revolution, and their implications for development policy and strategies. The paper concludes by outlining the rationale for designing national strategies for e-development and options, objectives and major thrust for such strategies in support of economic growth, poverty reduction and the MDGs. Nigeria: Data Retention: A Cautionary Exploration <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34083> 10/06/2005 -- The volatile nature of computerized based data, National Security considerations, and an overall Law Enforcement needs for substantive digital evidence, has necessitated Developed Countries around the world to require Information technology Service Providers to either voluntarily, or by legislative mandates, implement Data Retention Laws around the world. Triggered especially by the events of September 11th, computerized Data Retention Laws around the world are generally a prolonged archival of specified attributes of computer based data for a specified period of time. Stimulating Investment in Network Development: <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34071> 16/06/2005 -- The final report from the second WDR research cycle has been released in both print and online formats. Edited by Amy Mahan and William Melody, the 383 page book contains the body of research and country case studies undertaken to investigate issues and perspectives on the theme Stimulating Investment in Network Development: Roles for Regulators. Incorporating Gender Issues in ICT Policy-Making <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=33995> 15/06/2005 -- This paper takes a broad overview of the issues of gender and ICT from a policy-making perspective. The specific objective of this paper is to provide a systematic framework for incorporating gender issues in ICT policy documents. This framework is designed to serve as a toolkit that can be used by policy-makers, researchers and advocates to evaluate the "gender-sensitivity" of ICT policy documents. Free/Open Source Software Localization Primer Published <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34040> 15/06/2005 -- This primer provides a broad perspective on the localization of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) for the benefit of policy- and decision-makers in developing countries. It highlights the benefits and strategies of FOSS localization, along with case studies from various countries that are on the road to software freedom. Nigeria: .ng ccTLD Domain Registration with a Dead Man <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34085> 09/06/2005 -- Nigeria might be the only Country in the world that currently has the Domain Manager of the Top Level Country Internet Domain name listed as a deceased person. For those who do not know, the overall responsibility of a ccTLD belongs to the Domain Manager. He or she is the overall authority, responsible for coordinating all affairs of the Country Level Domain Name assignment. Spectrum and Network Policy for Next Generation Telecommunications <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ie_1&x=34003> 15/06/2005 -- This report from the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program (C&S) summarizes the findings from a meeting of business, government, finance and academic experts on the need for statutory or regulatory reform in the telecommunications sector, focusing specifically on rural telecommunications, universal service and inter-carrier compensation issues. Digital Futures: A Need-to-Know Policy Guide for Independent Filmmakers <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34002> A guide to help independent filmmakers understand the impacts of digital technology and the policy issues effecting their art. The One to Watch: Radio, New ICTs and Interactivity <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=he_1&x=34044> The cases presented in this book are among the first examples of the convergence of radio and new ICTs for development, and the book underscores the significant potential of the combination. In this convergence, radio promises to take on even greater significance and value. For this reason, we believe that radio is the one to watch. //\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *UPCOMING EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ *15/06/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> Incommunicado 05: information technology for everybody else <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33956> Incommunicado 05 is a two-day working conference working towards a critical survey of the current state of 'info-development', also known as the catchy acronym 'ICT4D' (ICT for development). Before the recent "flattening of the world" (Thomas Friedman, 2005), most computer networks and ICT expertise were located in the North, and info-development mostly involved rather technical matters of knowledge and technology transfer from North to South. While still widely (and even wildly) talked about, the assumption of a 'digital divide' that follows this familiar geography of development has turned out to be too simple. Instead, a more complex map of actors, networked in a global info-politics, is emerging. *20/06/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> WDR Online Dialogue: Diversifying Participation in Network Development <http://www.regulateonline.org/content/view/434/40/> The next WDR Online Dialogue is dedicated to the current WDR research theme, Diversifying Participation in Network Development, and will be held in the Dialogue section of this site, beginning 20 June 2005. *23/06/2005*, Rwanda <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21845e_1> The 2nd Rwanda ICT Convention: Theme: "e-Government: the Driving Force for Socio-Economical Development" <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=32163> Organized by AITEC in association with the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA). This premier conference and exhibition focuses on meeting the challenges of putting electronic government into practice. *28/06/2005*, Kenya <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21843e_1> ICTe AFRICA 1st Continental Exhibition, Conference and Media Event <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=31278> All Global roads lead to Nairobi, Kenya where ICTe AFRICA hosts the inaugural continental ICT fair in partnership with the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) and the Union of Radio and Television Organisation of Africa (URTNA). *29/06/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Thetha - World Summit on the Information Society, 29 June 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33943> SANGONeT will host a Thetha forum on 29 June 2005 to provide South African civil society organisations (CSOs) with an opportunity to reflect on the focus and objectives of WSIS and related processes. It will also provide a platform to discuss the position of the South African government and civil society in this regard. A similar meeting will be held in Cape Town during July 2005. *05/07/2005*, Nigeria <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21833e_1> Africa Regional preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication development Conference (WTDC-06), Abuja (Nigeria), 5-7 July 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33449> Africa Regional preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication development Conference (WTDC-06), will be held in Abuja (Nigeria), 5-7 July 2005. The objective of these meetings is to adopt appropriate development strategies at regional and subregional level. //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// ABOUT APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially internet-related technologies. APC and its members in more than 30 countries pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice. APC: http://www.apc.org. APC and ICT Policy Advocacy in Africa APC's Communications and Information Policy Programme aims to contribute to more enabling ICT policy environments through promoting inclusive policy processes. In Africa APC is doing this through the Africa ICT Policy Monitor project which aims to enable civil society organisations to engage in ICT policy development to promote an information society based on social justice and human rights. APC's Africa ICT Policy Monitor: http://africa.rights.apc.org The APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor is supported by HIVOS and the International Research Development Centre (IDRC). //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// To change your subscription (set options like digest and delivery modes, get a reminder of your password, or to stop receiving APC Africa Policy Monitor Website e-Updates and Newsletter), visit the mailing list: http://lists.sn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/africa-ir-public or send an email to africa.rights@apc.org //\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\//\// -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna Africa Policy Monitor Project Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Email: africa.rights@apc.org or njenga@apc.org Web: http://africa.rights.apc.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~