Dear
Sir/Madam,
A new review of Mozambique’s policies
for digital inclusion reveals that while some progress has been made, it has a
long way to go before achieving widespread and effective use of
ICTs.
The policy brief, based on a research
report prepared by the Eduardo Mondlane University Informatics Centre (CIUEM),
was commissioned by international development charity Panos London and funded by
the Open Society Institute for Southern Africa (OSISA). It is the first in a series of Panos
London briefs to boost debate on the future of ICT policy in the Southern Africa
region as part of the Thetha ICT Forum Project. It was recently launched at a
workshop jointly organised by Panos London and CIUEM in Maputo, to which media
practitioners, policy makers and civil society organisations were invited.
The attached Panos London brief is a
vital resource for anyone interested in the issues around ICT development in
Mozambique. It summarises the successes and weaknesses of policy and
implementation to date, reviews the challenges, opportunities and priorities for
digital inclusion in Mozambique today and makes recommendations to update the
policy to best serve the needs of Mozambicans.
Big strides have been taken since
the introduction of the ICT policy in 2000. For example, infrastructure
developments have ensured that citizens have better access to mobile networks
and the internet, and community multimedia centres have been established.
However, work needs to focus on making
these policies fit for purpose and reaching the very people ICTs need to serve.
The infrastructure is in place and the focus should shift towards increasing the
capability to use ICT, availability of services, the financial resources to pay
for use and increased citizen participation in policy formulation.
Panos London believes that
communication is at the heart of development. Mozambique’s experience offers
pointers for other African governments and organisations concerned to maximise
the value of ICTs within development.
I hope that you find this Panos London
brief provides an essential insight into the progress of ICT development in
Mozambique, and we would welcome your feedback.
If you
require any further information then please do not hesitate to get in touch with
me.
Best
wishes,
Murali
Shanmugavelan
Programme
Manager, Information Society
Panos
London
murali.shanmugavelan@panos.org.uk
tel. +44 (0)20 7239
7608
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