Hi all This is It is quite a good update of telecommunication issues/news around the continent. Worth reading alice

Dear all,

Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 12, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website chosen by our editors.

ON THE NEWS FRONT, telecommunications news have continued to dominate news headlines in several countries mainly on issues of privatization and liberalization in the sector. Malawi took the centre of attention in last week or so following the announcement that the privatization of Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) would go ahead only for the President to turn around and suspend the proposed sale after 5 days citing amongst other reasons that the price was too low. Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria have also been in the news on the same issues of privatization of their fixed line telephone operator and/or the mobile telephone operator.

Liberalization issues have also taken a fair share of the news headlines in the past two weeks, with Namibia mentioned as lagging in ICT sector growth given the lack of competition in the sector. On the same note, we see the regulator announce the suspension of the second mobile operator licence process. Kenya has finally legalised VOIP services, setting the stage for fierce competition while Botswana and Liberian parliaments have been discussing relevant legislation documents that would have positive effects into the countries telecommunications sector.

Finally, the five-year duopoly that gave MTN and Uganda telecom exclusive rights over the provision of telecommunication services in the country came to an end this week, with the new telecommunication policy still in parliament, Ugandans may have wait a little longer before full competition can be achieved in the sector.

ON INFORMATION RESOURCES, do remember to take a look at a new paper on the role of information and communication technologies in the development of African Women. The paper emphasizes on current issues and highlights key issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally.

ON UPCOMING EVENTS, August and September will be a busy month with several events taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on Community Informatics and WSIS. There is also the upcoming preparation conference on WSIS to take place in Geneva. Do visit the links for more information on these events.

For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit the APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below.

Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website http://africa.rights.apc.org/

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/

News > Access

Mozambique: Journalists Welcome Access to Information Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=802367> 09/08/2005 (IFEX <http://www.ifex.org>) -- ARTICLE 19 and the Media Institute of Southern Africa-Mozambique (MISA) have welcomed a draft bill that gives citizens in the country the right to obtain information held by public authorities. After five years of consultations, the government has introduced the draft Law of Mozambique on Access to Official Sources of Information that press freedom advocates hope will pave the way towards greater transparency and government accountability.

*News > E-Governance *

Kenya computerises lands records <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=823808> 11/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- All land records will soon be available at the touch of a button. "Kenyans can rest assured that the question of missing files is now a thing of the past," said Land and Housing minister Amos Kimunya yesterday. "This will be a Christmas gift as all rent cards will be available online."

Ethiopia connects all Federal Courts through a Wide Area Network <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21865ne_1&x=825472> 10/08/2005 (ENA <http://www.ena.gov.et>) -- Vice President of the Federal Supreme Court said activities are underway to connect all Federal Courts with a centralized database through a Wide Area Network (WAN). Menberetsehay Tadesse said all federal courts will establish a database that would enable judges of the Federal Supreme, High and First Instance Courts to work on near-final pending cases during their recess period so as to prepare them for decisions.

News > Laws and Regulation

Ghana: Communications regulator revokes licenses of 34 companies <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=827651> 11/08/2005 (Ghanaweb <http://www.ghanaweb.com/>) -- The National Communications Authority (NCA) has revoked the licenses of 34 companies who had earlier been granted licenses to operate as Internet Service Providers (ISP), Fiber Optic, Public Data and Paging, as well as FM Radio Services.

Kenya: VOIP now Legalised <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=823732> 10/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- The cost of telephone calls is set to go down with new rules that allow voice communication over the internet. Voice over internet Protocol has now been legalised, setting the stage for fierce competition with fixed-line and cellularphone services.

Liberia: Government Submits Draft Telecommunications Bill <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=683018> 02/08/2005 (Liberian Observer <http://www.liberianobserver.com/>) -- Transitional Government Chairman (NTGL) Charles Gyude Bryant has submitted a draft bill seeking to amend the Public Authorities Law creating the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation and an Executive Law creating the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to the transitional legislative assembly for its consideration.

Namibia: Second cell licence on hold <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=630123> 30/07/2005 (Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- The Namibian Government has put the granting of a second cellular phone operating licence on hold. Jan Kruger of the Namibian Communications Commission (NCC) speaking to the media this week that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had temporarily suspended the process to focus on "more pressing issues".

News > National ICT Strategies

Poor policies blamed for slow growth of ICT <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=682246> 02/08/2005 (East African Standard <http://www.eastandard.net/>) -- Africa's policy for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has not kept pace with technological advancement, a regional stakeholders forum heard last week. Top on the agenda of the meeting was integration of ICT policies in the region to help bridge the digital divide.

Namibia lagging in the technology race <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21873ne_1&x=630125> 29/07/2005 (Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- NAMIBIA is lagging behind other emerging economies in the development and usage of telecommunications technologies, studies have confirmed. The Namibia Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru) says in its latest report that compared to other lower- to middle-income countries, Namibians are not fully utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Botswana: Draft competition policy presented to Parliament <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21870ne_1&x=773332> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- The long awaited draft competition policy has been presented before Parliament. The document is expected to help avert unfair business practises, uncompetitive behaviour and conduct in the market place.

News > Training and Education

Kenya: Ambitious ICT project for schools <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21878ne_1&x=792581> 09/08/2005 (Daily Nation <http://www.nationmedia.com/>) -- Eighty per cent of Form Four leavers should be computer literate by 2008 under a new plan disclosed by Education minister George Saitoti. Prof Saitoti has also said that Information Communication Technology (ICT) would be taught in teachers training colleges to prepare them for the project.

News > Telecommunications

Uganda: Expedite the telecom policy <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=823678> 11/08/2005 (NewVision <http://www.newvision.co.ug/>) -- Last month the five-year duopoly period that gave MTN and Uganda telecom the rights to offer countrywide telecommunication services expired. However, the government decision to open the sector to more players or not, awaits a telecommunications policy paper that is yet to be discussed and passed by parliament and the cabinet.

Namibia: Telecoms liberalisation 'essential' <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=825470> 10/08/2005 (The Namibian <http://www.namibian.com.na/>) -- A Senior Namibian researcher has called on Government to seriously consider liberalising the telecommunications sector, saying competition would allow for improved service delivery. Christoph Stork, of the Namibian Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru), says liberalisation of the telecommunication sector would allow more players to wrestle it out for market leadership, allowing for efficiency and more affordable prices to consumers.

Malawi halts privatization of telecom <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773607> 08/08/2005 (BusinessWeek <http://www.businessweek.com>) -- Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday (6th August) ordered the immediate suspension of the privatization of the state-run telecommunication firm after critics said the proposed sale price was too low.

Botswana upgrades network <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773266> 05/08/2005 (Mmegi <http://www.mmegi.bw/>) -- Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has embarked on a number of projects to improve the capacity and reliability of its network. The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson told Parliament this week that a reliable, high capacity national telecommunications network is essential to creating an environment capable of attracting high value investors in the information and knowledge management sector.

Malawi: Telecoms board against privatisation process <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21877ne_1&x=773491> 05/08/2005 (The Nation <http://www.nationmalawi.com/>) -- Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) board of directors on Thursday (4th August) accused the Privatisation Commission (PC) of misleading the nation when it indicated that the privatisation process of the company is in its final stage.

Botswana Telecoms connects 40 lines in Barolong <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21860ne_1&x=773644> 03/08/2005 (BOPA <http://www.gov.bw/news/index.html>) -- Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) completed over 40 landline connections in Barolong constituency as part of its Nteletsa rural telephone connection project.

Malawi's telecoms firm on sale <http://www.businessinafrica.net/news/southern_africa/467983.htm> 01/08/2005 (BusinessinAfrica <http://www.businessinafrica.net/>) -- Malawi leader Bingu wa Mutharika has given a nod for the Malawi Privatisation Commission to finally sell the country's sole fixed-line telephone company, Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL), which is Malawi's statutory cash cow.

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ -*INFORMATION & RESOURCES *- //\//\//\//\//\//\/

The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=685166> 03/08/2005 -- This paper sets out to look at the question to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in relation to women's development in Africa. The emphasis is on current issues and the paper highlights key issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally. Appendix A - Community-based Access Points <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixA_access_points.pdf> Appendix B - Recommendations to Civil Society Organisations <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixB_recommendations.pdf> Appendix C - What are ICTs? <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixC_icts.pdf> Appendix D - Recommended Resources <http://www.apc.org/english/rights/documents/appendixD_resource_list.pdf>

Stories from the field - Examples of using ICTs for women's development in Africa. <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=685362> 03/08/2005 -- STORIES FROM THE FIELD - Examples of using ICTs for women's development in Africa - for the paper "The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women". There are many examples of how women are using ICTs for development on the continent. Here we profile only a few in order to highlight how ICTs can be used for gender justice and social change.

New Book Launched: Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=21867ie_1&x=554532> 26/07/2005 -- In preparation of the African Woman Day, 2005, the Gender and ICT Network (a joint initiative ENDA-ART-OSIRIS) publicly launched a book "Fracture numerique de genre en Afrique francophone : une inquietante realite" (Gender digital divide in Francophone Africa : a harsh reality".

ITU and infoDev Launch New Online Regulation Toolkit <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=re_1&x=777232> "This new ICT Regulation Toolkit will provide ICT policy-makers and regulators with practical approaches and instruments to support their decision-making," said infoDev Programme Manager Mostafa Terrab. "It is a unique resource designed around three key features: it is an interactive, on-line tool allowing for user feedback and enhancement; it is dynamic in that its contents will evolve to reflect new developments in the sector; and it is forward-looking, foreseeing and anticipating policies and regulations that fully leverage the potential of new technologies to maximize access for all throughout the developing world."

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - *UPCOMING EVENTS* - //\//\//\//\//\//\/

*11/08/2005*, Tanzania <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21848e_1>

World Youth Development and ICT (WYDI 2005) Conference (Aug 11-12 2005) <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=34214> This conference is being organised with a theme of "Young People Creating Global Culture". The conference aims to bring together more than 250 young professionals, community leaders, non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders, university students, information and communication technology (ICT) professionals, among others.

*22/08/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Building Partnerships for the Information Society (Aug 22-27 2005) <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=34216> The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with the support of the Cape Town City, the Centre for e-Innovation in the Provincial Government of the Western Cape and the South African Department of Communications, will be organising and hosting the "Information Society" event.

*24/08/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=29325> The Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 Conference is open to receive research, policy and praxis based papers around the major theme of 'partnerships'.

*31/08/2005*, Botswana <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21811e_1> World Information Technology Forum (Witfor) 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=31388> The Government of the Republic of Botswana, in collaboration with the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) will host the second World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in Gaborone from August 31 to September 2, 2005. WITFOR is a state-of-the-art, high-level international forum, aimed at ICT policy-makers and practitioners.

*05/09/2005*, Cameroon <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21850e_1> CTO Forum 2005 - Yaounde, Cameroon, 5 - 6 September 2005 <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=136150> Organised in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, the CTO will host this unique gathering of opinion leaders and decision-makers in response to the growing need for access to ICT in emerging markets in the Commonwealth and beyond.

*12/09/2005*, South Africa <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s21817e_1> Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the information society'** <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=ee_1&x=33696> The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a unique mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise.

*19/09/2005*, International <http://africa.rights.apc.org/index.shtml?apc=s30084e_1> PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva <http://www.itu.int/wsis/preparatory2/pc3/index.html> The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from 19-30 September 2005.

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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).

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FYI

apologies for cross posting..

NN

-------- Original Message --------

Dear all,

Here is the latest issue of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor e-updates No. 12, a selection of the latest content added to the Africa ICT Policy Monitor Website chosen by our editors.

ON THE NEWS FRONT, telecommunications news have continued to dominate news headlines in several countries mainly on issues of privatization and liberalization in the sector. Malawi took the centre of attention in last week or so following the announcement that the privatization of Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) would go ahead only for the President to turn around and suspend the proposed sale after 5 days citing amongst other reasons that the price was too low. Kenya, Namibia and Nigeria have also been in the news on the same issues of privatization of their fixed line telephone operator and/or the mobile telephone operator.

Liberalization issues have also taken a fair share of the news headlines in the past two weeks, with Namibia mentioned as lagging in ICT sector growth given the lack of competition in the sector. On the same note, we see the regulator announce the suspension of the second mobile operator licence process. Kenya has finally legalised VOIP services, setting the stage for fierce competition while Botswana and Liberian parliaments have been discussing relevant legislation documents that would have positive effects into the countries telecommunications sector.

Finally, the five-year duopoly that gave MTN and Uganda telecom exclusive rights over the provision of telecommunication services in the country came to an end this week, with the new telecommunication policy still in parliament, Ugandans may have wait a little longer before full competition can be achieved in the sector.

ON INFORMATION RESOURCES, do remember to take a look at a new paper on the role of information and communication technologies in the development of African Women. The paper emphasizes on current issues and highlights key issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally.

ON UPCOMING EVENTS, August and September will be a busy month with several events taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on Community Informatics and WSIS. There is also the upcoming preparation conference on WSIS to take place in Geneva. Do visit the links for more information on these events.

For these news, information resources and upcoming events, please visit the APC Africa Policy Monitor Website links below.

Editor APC Africa Policy Monitor Website http://africa.rights.apc.org/

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - NEWS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ News > Access

Mozambique: Journalists Welcome Access to Information Bill 09/08/2005 (IFEX) -- ARTICLE 19 and the Media Institute of Southern Africa-Mozambique (MISA) have welcomed a draft bill that gives citizens in the country the right to obtain information held by public authorities. After five years of consultations, the government has introduced the draft Law of Mozambique on Access to Official Sources of Information that press freedom advocates hope will pave the way towards greater transparency and government accountability.

News > E-Governance

Kenya computerises lands records 11/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- All land records will soon be available at the touch of a button. "Kenyans can rest assured that the question of missing files is now a thing of the past," said Land and Housing minister Amos Kimunya yesterday. "This will be a Christmas gift as all rent cards will be available online."

Ethiopia connects all Federal Courts through a Wide Area Network 10/08/2005 (ENA) -- Vice President of the Federal Supreme Court said activities are underway to connect all Federal Courts with a centralized database through a Wide Area Network (WAN). Menberetsehay Tadesse said all federal courts will establish a database that would enable judges of the Federal Supreme, High and First Instance Courts to work on near-final pending cases during their recess period so as to prepare them for decisions.

News > Laws and Regulation Ghana: Communications regulator revokes licenses of 34 companies 11/08/2005 (Ghanaweb) -- The National Communications Authority (NCA) has revoked the licenses of 34 companies who had earlier been granted licenses to operate as Internet Service Providers (ISP), Fiber Optic, Public Data and Paging, as well as FM Radio Services.

Kenya: VOIP now Legalised 10/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- The cost of telephone calls is set to go down with new rules that allow voice communication over the internet. Voice over internet Protocol has now been legalised, setting the stage for fierce competition with fixed-line and cellularphone services.

Liberia: Government Submits Draft Telecommunications Bill 02/08/2005 (Liberian Observer) -- Transitional Government Chairman (NTGL) Charles Gyude Bryant has submitted a draft bill seeking to amend the Public Authorities Law creating the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation and an Executive Law creating the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to the transitional legislative assembly for its consideration.

Namibia: Second cell licence on hold 30/07/2005 (Namibian) -- The Namibian Government has put the granting of a second cellular phone operating licence on hold. Jan Kruger of the Namibian Communications Commission (NCC) speaking to the media this week that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had temporarily suspended the process to focus on "more pressing issues".

News > National ICT Strategies

Poor policies blamed for slow growth of ICT 02/08/2005 (East African Standard) -- Africa's policy for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has not kept pace with technological advancement, a regional stakeholders forum heard last week. Top on the agenda of the meeting was integration of ICT policies in the region to help bridge the digital divide.

Namibia lagging in the technology race 29/07/2005 (Namibian) -- NAMIBIA is lagging behind other emerging economies in the development and usage of telecommunications technologies, studies have confirmed. The Namibia Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru) says in its latest report that compared to other lower- to middle-income countries, Namibians are not fully utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Botswana: Draft competition policy presented to Parliament 05/08/2005 (Mmegi) -- The long awaited draft competition policy has been presented before Parliament. The document is expected to help avert unfair business practises, uncompetitive behaviour and conduct in the market place.

News > Training and Education

Kenya: Ambitious ICT project for schools 09/08/2005 (Daily Nation) -- Eighty per cent of Form Four leavers should be computer literate by 2008 under a new plan disclosed by Education minister George Saitoti. Prof Saitoti has also said that Information Communication Technology (ICT) would be taught in teachers training colleges to prepare them for the project.

News > Telecommunications Uganda: Expedite the telecom policy 11/08/2005 (NewVision) -- Last month the five-year duopoly period that gave MTN and Uganda telecom the rights to offer countrywide telecommunication services expired. However, the government decision to open the sector to more players or not, awaits a telecommunications policy paper that is yet to be discussed and passed by parliament and the cabinet.

Namibia: Telecoms liberalisation 'essential' 10/08/2005 (The Namibian) -- A Senior Namibian researcher has called on Government to seriously consider liberalising the telecommunications sector, saying competition would allow for improved service delivery. Christoph Stork, of the Namibian Economic Policy and Research Unit (Nepru), says liberalisation of the telecommunication sector would allow more players to wrestle it out for market leadership, allowing for efficiency and more affordable prices to consumers.

Malawi halts privatization of telecom 08/08/2005 (BusinessWeek) -- Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika on Saturday (6th August) ordered the immediate suspension of the privatization of the state-run telecommunication firm after critics said the proposed sale price was too low.

Botswana upgrades network 05/08/2005 (Mmegi) -- Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) has embarked on a number of projects to improve the capacity and reliability of its network. The Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Pelonomi Venson told Parliament this week that a reliable, high capacity national telecommunications network is essential to creating an environment capable of attracting high value investors in the information and knowledge management sector.

Malawi: Telecoms board against privatisation process 05/08/2005 (The Nation ) -- Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) board of directors on Thursday (4th August) accused the Privatisation Commission (PC) of misleading the nation when it indicated that the privatisation process of the company is in its final stage.

Botswana Telecoms connects 40 lines in Barolong 03/08/2005 (BOPA) -- Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) completed over 40 landline connections in Barolong constituency as part of its Nteletsa rural telephone connection project.

Malawi's telecoms firm on sale 01/08/2005 (BusinessinAfrica) -- Malawi leader Bingu wa Mutharika has given a nod for the Malawi Privatisation Commission to finally sell the country's sole fixed-line telephone company, Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL), which is Malawi's statutory cash cow.

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ -INFORMATION & RESOURCES - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women 03/08/2005 -- This paper sets out to look at the question to information and communication technologies (ICTs) in relation to women's development in Africa. The emphasis is on current issues and the paper highlights key issues and challenges faced by women in Africa and to a smaller extent, globally. Appendix A - Community-based Access Points Appendix B - Recommendations to Civil Society Organisations Appendix C - What are ICTs? Appendix D - Recommended Resources

Stories from the field - Examples of using ICTs for women's development in Africa. 03/08/2005 -- STORIES FROM THE FIELD - Examples of using ICTs for women's development in Africa - for the paper "The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in the Development of African Women". There are many examples of how women are using ICTs for development on the continent. Here we profile only a few in order to highlight how ICTs can be used for gender justice and social change.

New Book Launched: Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa 26/07/2005 -- In preparation of the African Woman Day, 2005, the Gender and ICT Network (a joint initiative ENDA-ART-OSIRIS) publicly launched a book "Fracture numerique de genre en Afrique francophone : une inquietante realite" (Gender digital divide in Francophone Africa : a harsh reality".

ITU and infoDev Launch New Online Regulation Toolkit "This new ICT Regulation Toolkit will provide ICT policy-makers and regulators with practical approaches and instruments to support their decision-making," said infoDev Programme Manager Mostafa Terrab. "It is a unique resource designed around three key features: it is an interactive, on-line tool allowing for user feedback and enhancement; it is dynamic in that its contents will evolve to reflect new developments in the sector; and it is forward-looking, foreseeing and anticipating policies and regulations that fully leverage the potential of new technologies to maximize access for all throughout the developing world."

//\//\//\//\//\//\/ - UPCOMING EVENTS - //\//\//\//\//\//\/ 11/08/2005, Tanzania

World Youth Development and ICT (WYDI 2005) Conference (Aug 11-12 2005) This conference is being organised with a theme of "Young People Creating Global Culture". The conference aims to bring together more than 250 young professionals, community leaders, non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders, university students, information and communication technology (ICT) professionals, among others.

22/08/2005, South Africa Building Partnerships for the Information Society (Aug 22-27 2005) The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with the support of the Cape Town City, the Centre for e-Innovation in the Provincial Government of the Western Cape and the South African Department of Communications, will be organising and hosting the "Information Society" event.

24/08/2005, South Africa Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 The Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) 2005 Conference is open to receive research, policy and praxis based papers around the major theme of 'partnerships'.

31/08/2005, Botswana World Information Technology Forum (Witfor) 2005 The Government of the Republic of Botswana, in collaboration with the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) will host the second World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in Gaborone from August 31 to September 2, 2005. WITFOR is a state-of-the-art, high-level international forum, aimed at ICT policy-makers and practitioners.

05/09/2005, Cameroon CTO Forum 2005 - Yaounde, Cameroon, 5 - 6 September 2005 Organised in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, the CTO will host this unique gathering of opinion leaders and decision-makers in response to the growing need for access to ICT in emerging markets in the Commonwealth and beyond.

12/09/2005, South Africa Highway Africa Conference 2005 'Reinforcing journalism in the information society'** The Highway Africa 2005 will explore the above issues and seek to assist in overcoming the challenges. Highway Africa's programme includes a unique mix of plenary and keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on workshops where delegates acquire practical skills and expertise.

19/09/2005, International PrepCom-3 of the WSIS Tunis phase to take place in Geneva The third meeting of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom-3 of the Tunis phase) will take place in Palais des Nations, Geneva (Switzerland) from 19-30 September 2005.

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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).

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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

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-- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--- You are currently subscribed to aisi-l as: [alice@apc.org] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-aisi-l-84914M@lyris.bellanet.org