SADC in the Next Millennium
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A Theme Document prepared for a recent SADC Conference in Lusaka on
"The Opportunities and Challenges of Information Technology" (IT) is
available online at:
Since it is formatted as a single table you have to download the whole
document (280 kB) before being able to read it.
In its conclusions it says among others:
"As we enter the new millennium, SADC will be faced with challenges
and opportunities that will need proactive policies. It is, there-
fore, imperative that SADC improves the tools to enable it to compete
in the global arena. IT remains the tool for the future, which should
be developed now. The basic goal is, therefore, to improve and
broaden equitable access to Information and Communications technology
as a means of creating new opportunities for socio-economic develop-
ment in Southern Africa.
The Internet and other forms of information and communications tech-
nology have now reached nearly every capital city in Africa. Limited
access to these technologies - among medium and lower income popula-
tions, in rural areas especially -- is widely perceived to be a major
impediment to increased economic growth and prosperity in Southern
Africa.
Broadening equitable access to IT requires a political commitment
from the region's leaders, and Southern Africa has the human and
technical resources to exercise substantial leadership in this arena.
The very nature of information and communications technology requires
that the case for broader access be made at a regional level. The es-
tablishment of a 'Southern Africa Information Society' is seen as the
most appropriate action."
In its Annexes it gives an excellent overview on SADC Member States
IT Profiles.
Regards,
Dieter Neuvians
mailto:neuvians@harare.iafrica.com
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