National Information & Communication Infrastructure (NICI) Policy and Plans

for The Gambia

(Final Document)

Republic of The Gambia

Dept of State for Communication, Information & Technology

United Nations Economic Commission For Africa

December 2004

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THIS IS A TENETATIVE / INDICATIVE DRAFT POLICY AS EMERGED FROM COUNTRY-WIDE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS AND FROM

PRESENTATION MADE BY THE PARTICIPANTS AT THE CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP HELD IN BANJUL, 29 NOV TO 1st DEC 2004. ALL STAKEHOKDERS ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO INDICATE ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES / ACTION

ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL PLAN TO BE VALIDATED AFTER A MONTH OF THE PUBLICATION OF THIS DRAFT (Tentatively by Feb 1st Week /

2005)

This Draft NICI Policy & Plans for The Gambia was commissioned by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) as part of its Technical Assistance to the Government of The Gambia under the auspices of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI). It was prepared by Dr K M Baharul Islam, Chairman (in the rank of a Minister of State), Technology Promotion Council, Govt of Assam (India) and Consultant, UNECA in cooperation with and input from the National Core-Group formed up by the Department of State for Communication, Information & Technology of The Gambia.

Copyright Notice

©2005, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording and/ or otherwise without prior permission of UNECA.

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The Gambia National Information & Communication Infrastructure (NICI) Policy and

Plans

Contents

• GLOSSARY 4 • LIST OF ACRONYMS 6

1. Introduction 8

1.1. Background 1.2. The Vision 1.3. The Mission 1.4. The NICI Process 1.5. The Policy Context

2. Economy 15 3. Status of ICT in The Gambia 19 4. The Policy Framework 30 5. Objectives, Challenges and Policy Statements in Priority Areas 36 Appendix 1 : TENTATIVE ACTION PLAN

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GLOSSARY

Broadcasting – A term referring to the distribution of information using radio, television, Internet and intranet or webcasting.

Digital Divide – The technological gap between countries that have fully exploited ICT and those that have not. The digital divide is often associated with the resulting gap in terms of economic development.

e-Commerce/Electronic Commerce – Business activities involving consumers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and intermediaries using computer networks such as the Internet.

Global Information Infrastructure (GII) – The components making up a wide area network arising from multiple heterogeneous networks, which facilitate multidimensional communication among different nations, business and organisations.

“Hollowing-out” – The term given to the adverse impact of globalisation and ICT on developing country economies (and their Government revenues) as a result of commercial transactions that are performed electronically and are invisible to their financial institutions and legal frameworks.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) – Is a generic term used to express the convergence of information technology, broadcasting and communications. One prominent example is the Internet.

Information Based Economy (IBE) - A country or region where ICT is used to develop economic foundation and market transactions.

Information Society (IS) – A country or region where information technology has been fully exploited and is part of everyday life as an enabler of information sharing, communication and diffusion.

Information Technology (IT) – Embraces the use of computers, telecommunications and office systems technologies for the collection, processing, storing, packaging and dissemination of information.

Internet Exchange Point (IXP) – It is a “peering point” for Interconnecting ISPs and/or other IXPs for the purpose of localizing national traffic routing as opposed to using international routes to accomplish Inter-ISP traffic flow.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) – Also known as Internet Access Providers – Is a company that provides infrastructure for access to the Internet or for interconnecting other ISPs and content-based or application-based services on the Internet.

Knowledge Based Economy (KBE) – A country or region where ICT is extensively used to enhance knowledge so that higher human capital brings further improvement to the economy.

Local Area Network (LAN) – A computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings. However, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves.

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Teledensity - The number of telephones per 100 people in a region.

“Mock up” – The possibility of teaching ICT literacy need not be constrained by an absence of computer equipment, since pupils in schools unable to afford such equipment might be guided to construct model computers out of locally available materials. This allows the pupils to gain an understanding of the principles and values associated with computers, networks and peripherals without having real computers in their schools. If teachers were trained accordingly, this type of education will reach even the remotest households. A simile is children making mock-up cars and trucks.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – Also known as Voice over Internet, IP Telephony or Internet Telephony – refers to telephone services provided over the Internet as the transmission medium.

Wide Area Network (WAN) – A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs). Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

AATG Action Aid The Gambia ADB African Development Bank AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ATM Automated Teller Machine CBEMP Capacity Building for Economic Management Project. CBG Central Bank of The Gambia CBOs Community Base Organisations CEO Chief Executive Officer CHN Community Health Nurse CSD Central Statistics Department DFID Dept. for International Development DHT District Health Team DOSA Department of State for Agriculture DOSE Department of State for Education DOSFEA Department of State for Finance & Economic Affairs DOSJ Department of State for Justice DOSLGL Department of State for Local Government & Lands ERP Economic Recovery Program ESAF Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility GBA Greater Banjul Area GDDS General Data Dissemination System GDP Gross Domestic Product GGC Gambia Groundnut Company GoTG Government of The Gambia GTTI Gambia Technical Training Institute HILEC High Level Economic Committee HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HPS Household Poverty Survey ICT Information and Communications Technologies IDA International Development Association IDG International Development Goals IDRC International Development Research Centre IFMS Integrated Financial Management System ILO International Labour Organisation IMF International Monetary Fund IMSE Informal Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises IP Internet Protocol ISP Internet Service Provider ITAG Information Technology Association of The Gambia IXP Internet Exchange Point LADEP Lowland Agricultural Development Project LAN Local Area Network LGA Local Government Authority LGRP Local Government Reform Programme MCT Ministry of Communications and Transport MPGP Mainstreaming Poverty and Gender Project

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NaNA National Nutrition Agency NDT National Dialogue Team NEA National Environment Agency NGO Non Governmental Organisation NPAP National Poverty Alleviation Program NSC National Steering Committee NTP National Telecommunications Policy PCIS Personnel Controls Information System PER Public Expenditure Review PHC Primary Health Care PMS Poverty Monitoring System PoP Points of Presence PPA Participatory Poverty Assessment PRGF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper PSD Program for Sustained Development PSRP Public Service Reform Programme PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network PURA Public Utilities Regulatory Authority RED Regional Education Divisions R&D Research and Development SAP Structural Adjustment Program SDA Social Dimensions of Adjustment SDF Social Development Fund SEN State Enrolled Nurse SIDA Swedish International Development Agency SMME Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises SPACO Strategy for Poverty Alleviation Coordinating Office SPP Strategy Planning Process SRN State Registered Nurse STI Sexually Transmitted Infections TCAP Technical Co-operation Action Plan UNDP United Nations Development Program VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol VPN Virtual private network VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal WB Women’s Bureau

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Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background Recognizing the important role information and communication technologies (ICTs) play in facilitating the attainment of development goals and encouraging the diffusion and utilization of information technologies in Africa and enhancing the entry of the continent into the global information society, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) launched the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) in May 1996, which serves as a guiding framework for building the information and communication infrastructure in Africa. Since the launch of AISI, ECA has been supporting member States to embark on the development of NICI policies, plans and strategies which are instrumental to materialize the visions enshrined in the AISI at national level and to create conducive environment for ICT development. Thus far over 30 countries in the continent have embarked, in one form or the other, on the development of national ICT strategies and more countries have expressed interest to initiate national ICT policies. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) came forward to assist the Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOSCIT), Government of The Gambia to elaborate a national ICT policy, plan and strategy and put in place a guiding framework for the diffusion and utilization of ICT applications to accelerate the attainment of national development goals. Moreover, the exercise would enhance the coordination, development and effective implementation of various sectoral ICT projects and programs in key sectors, such as education, health, trade and administration. 1.2 The Vision Statement

To leverage the benefits of ICT for a people-centered, free market based and export-oriented socio-economic development strategy built on principles of public-private partnership for wealth creation.

1.3 The Mission Statement

To achieve higher growth rates in all spheres of socio-economic activities using ICT as a platform to exchange data, information, knowledge and a tool to implement applications and provide services in order to ‘leapfrog’ Several stages of development through a participatory approach

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in building human resources and a conducive environment. 1.4 The NICI Process The NICI Policy & Plans development process in The Gambia is geared towards recognising the areas where ICT would contribute to the attaining the overall objective of the Vision 2020 and the four strategic issues identified in the PRSP:

1. Enhancing the Productive Capacity of the Poor. 2. Enhancing Access to and the Performance of Social Services. 3. Local Level Capacity Building. 4. Promoting Participatory Communications Processes.

A captious analysis of the prevailing socio economic condition in The Gambia further highlighted the challenges faced by the country in attaining those visionary goals. The e-readiness baseline survey conducted by the National e-Government Technical Committee for e-Government (NATCOM) in July 2003 with the assistance of ECA was another important source of information regarding the present status of the country in terms of ICT infrastructure and plans. During the consultative meetings with various stakeholders from all sectors of the society – government, private and the civil society – efforts were made to further pin point the vital issues which a comprehensive NICI policy for the country should address. To achieve greater public visibility of the process the NICI process and related documents were made available on the web at www.dosh.gm/gambia-ictpolicy. The first phase of the NICI process was launched by the Hon. Secretary of State for CIT, The Gambia through a public announcement at an e-government workshop in Banjul on 30 April 2004. The NICI policy development process was launched by the Hon. Secretary of State for Communication, Information and Technology at a workshop organized under UNECA’s e-government project for The Gambia on 30 April 2004 in Banjul. He informed the public that the government has set up the NICI Core Group (Annex: A) which will be recognized at the highest levels in the country. The Secretary of State urged all those departments and organizations that were unable to attend the first meeting of the Group on 26th April 2004 to attend the subsequent meetings. The 1st Phase of the NICI consultative process, therefore, started with the 2nd Meeting of the NICI Core Group held on 3rd May 2004 at the Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOSCIT). The members of the NICI Core Group were briefed about the various phases and steps to be followed during the NICI policy development process as detailed under the AISI framework. The members then discussed and finalized a tentative list of the various stakeholders (Annex: B). However, it was presumed that a number of other stakeholders who were not listed might be identified and consulted during the process by the group as and when deemed necessary.

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To sensitize the general public about the ongoing consultative process on NICI Policy, newspaper advertisements were inserted with the brief introduction of the process and the contact details of the core group (Annex: C). As a result, a number of individuals and organizations contacted the core group and separate consultative meetings were arranged for them. The consultative meetings were organized in full swing from the very next day i.e, 4th May 2004. Members of the core group visited different IT Business houses to record their views on NICI policy as there was no common platform for these businesses. Though the IT business sector enthusiastically contributed to the process with their input, the need for an umbrella association of IT businesses was very much felt and voiced by all of them. Therefore, under the auspices of the NICI Core Group these business houses were invited to a joint meeting at the DOSCIT on 26th May 2004 to discuss this issue and they resolved to launch a common forum for IT businesses in The Gambia. As an outcome of this consultation and initiative taken by the stakeholders an organization of IT business houses called Information Technologies Association of The Gambia (ITAG) was subsequently formed. This forum further consolidated the input received from the separate consultative meetings held by the core group and participated collectively during the next phases of the NICI process. The next phase of the consultative meetings was organized with the academia starting with the University of The Gambia, Management Development Institute, GTTI etc. The group also visited marginalized sectors in academia like Gambia Organization for the Visually Impaired (GOVI), the School for Special Education for the disadvantaged children at Banjul. The Gambia Teachers Union was specifically consulted in this regard and their invitation by the Consultant and the National Coordinator specially addressed the regional meeting of the Gambian teachers at Farafenni where they discussed the NICI process with the teachers and recorded their views. Consultative meetings with the regulatory bodies were also held during this mission. The Gambia Divestiture Agency (GDA) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) was consulted in details on their role in disinvestments and telecom regulatory framework for the country vis-à-vis the NICI Policy. Similarly, other government parasatals like Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zones Authority (GIPFZA) and National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) were also consulted during this phase.

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A major part of the 1st phase of the NICI process was devoted to involve the civil society organizations, media and the youths in the NICI policy development process. Through the representatives of these sectors in the core group a number of consultative meetings were organized and the opinions of the stakeholders were recorded. The core group made special presentation during the 1st WSIS Dialogue Series organized by the Foundation for Partnership, Reflection and Dialogue for Development (FOPRADD), an umbrella organization of the civil society, on 13 May 04 at the Gambia Telecom & Multimedia Institute. Several CSOs attended the meeting and a few special consultative meetings were held with some of them like Kingfisher Trust Gambia on their specific request. Another consultative meeting with the NGOs was held under the banner of The Association of NGOs (TANGO) at their Head Office where a large number of NGO representatives were present. The TANGO undertook the responsibility to compile and put together the input of the NGOs to the NICI policy development process. The youth organizations were consulted through the National Youth Council (NYC) and National Association of Youth and Children Organization (NYACO). During the consultative meeting on NICI policy organized by NYC a number of youth organization representatives discussed the ICT implications for the youths in The Gambia with respect to the proposed NICI Policy for the country. Similarly, the NYACO also convened a meeting of the youth and children’s organizations affiliated to it to discuss the NICI policy issues. Both the consultative meetings came up with a number of policy measures that they wanted the NICI Policy to incorporate. There was a detailed discussion on various issues related to the role and participation of women in any ICT led initiative in The Gambia at the special consultative meeting with the Women’s Bureau under the President’s Office. There was another special consultation with the lady Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Finance to discuss various gender issues that hamper the larger participation of women in education in general and IT training in particular. The local government representatives both at the urban and rural areas were consulted through special sessions on NICI Policies at various Municipal Councils and Local Area Councils. The NICI Group members and the Consultant attended such special consultative sessions at the Kanifing Municipal Council on 20 May 2004 that was chaired by the Lord Mayor. Another meeting was arranged upcountry in the Western Division at the Birkama Area Council on 22 May 2004. A special consultative meeting on the NICI policy was organized by the Gambia Press Union on the local media persons and journalists on 18 May 2004. The members present discussed the role of media in any ICT led program in the country and expressed their commitment to contribute to the national programs. The members also nominated Mr Deida Hydara, a veteran journalist to represent the Press Union at the NICI Core Group. The financial institutions like banks are supposed to play an active role in any ICT led development process particularly in the area of e-commerce and e-transactions. Therefore, on the request of the NICI Core Group, the Central Bank of The Gambia organized a special consultative meeting of all the affiliated banks at its head office on 13 May 2004. All the banks attended the meeting and presented their aspirations and views on the ICT led development policies for the country and recorded their commitment to

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the bank to join the initiative in a bigger way. A consultative meeting was also organized with the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) particularly to discuss the role and commitment of the private sector in the country towards an ICT-led development initiative. The GCCI expressed its sincere support and active participation in such endeavors and highlighted its own initiatives on e-Commerce that is at an advanced stage and now needs to be supported by a national ICT policy. In that direction GCCI heartily welcomed the initiative of the Gambia government to formulate the NICI policy and lauded the support extended by the ECA towards this initiative. The NICI group formally included Ms Beatrice Allen, the GCCI e-Commerce lead person as one of its member to further synthesize the efforts of the GCCI with that of the NICI group. The GCCI further agreed to call a special meeting of all its affiliated members to discuss the NICI policy and present their input to the NICI Core group through their representative. Another consultative meeting of the private sector organizations was organized by the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) on 12 May 2004. The members present at that presentation by the NICI team welcomed the initiative and presented their views. A few of the members invited the NICI team for further individual discussions. A few key Departments of State were specifically consulted on their role and commitments towards the NICI policy. These meetings were held in the respective Departments in the Capital with the highest officials. These Departments were Health, Finance and Economic Affairs, Tourism and Education. Some other meetings were organized with prime national agencies like National AIDS Secretariat, National Records Service and the Planning Office in the Office of the President. To gain the commitment of the highest-level decision makers of the country two high levels consultative meetings on NICI policy were organized by the Hon. Secretary of State for CIT. One such meeting was the consultative meetings of all the Permanent Secretaries and their representatives on 20 May 2004 at the DOSCIT Conference room. Another was the consultative meeting organized at the National Assembly that was attended by a large number of MPs and chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the house. At both the meetings the highest officials of the civil services and the people’s representatives at the national assembly expressed their enthusiastic support and commitment towards enacting necessary laws regarding an ICT-led development approach and implementing the plans at all levels with sincere efforts.

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The 2nd phase of the NICI process was started in November 2004 with a major stakeholders’ workshop organised in Banjul from 29th Nov to 1st December 2004. The workshop was inaugurated by H.E. Manlafi Jarju, the Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands who was deputizing for the Secretary of State for Communication, Information and Technology and attended by a large number of participants from all sectors (Annex: D). It was organized by DOSCIT with technical and financial assistance from ECA. In his address the Minister reiterated that DOSCIT is fully committed to the NICI policy formulation process and implementation of the proposed e-government strategy1 that will transform the nature of interaction among government departments and of government services to the public and private sector. With sufficient infrastructures, including energy, skill human resource, and sufficient financial resources, government can create mechanisms through which citizens and business can experience seamless interaction in the conduct of business, while pushing existing institution towards greater efficiency and improved service delivery. He further announced that in order to build the critical mass of people skilled in the information and communication technology skills, and to kick-start the e-government programme, DOSCIT will during the first quarter of 2005, initiate the training of up to 30 staff from 10 government departments in systems administration, web development and network security at the Kofi Annan Ghana-India Center for Excellence in ICT, Accra, Ghana. This workshop in the second phase of NICI policy and plan development process and was crucial to the embedding of stakeholders’ aspirations in the policy. The participants brainstormed each of the proposed pillars in breakup sessions to identify the overall sectoral objectives, ICT mediated specific goals, and challenges and draw an action plan for the next ten years. The NICI consultations held in The Gambia were marked by a very encouraging response and enthusiastic participation of all the stakeholders at various levels. Both government and non-governmental agencies have expressed their strong commitment to join the national effort to launch and implement a comprehensive ICT-led programme for socio-economic development of the country. 1.5 The Policy Context The Vision 2020 for The Gambia envisages that the country will be transformed into a middle-income country by that year. The long-term growth strategy of Vision 2020 is based on four strategic development areas, namely:

1. Accelerating private sector development, 2. Restructuring economic management, 3. Developing the human capital base

1 It is an outcome of the ECA supported initiative in The Gambia to prepare an e-government strategy, define a guiding framework and a pilot project linking selected Government departments for the utilization and dissemination of information and communication applications to accelerate the attainment of sectoral development goals. Though the initiative was launched in response to a request from the Hon. Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs (DOSFEA), The Gambia to the Executive Secretary of ECA, the programme is being coordinated by DOSCIT.

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4. Institutionalising decentralised and democratic participatory government structures, processes and systems.

Towards achieving that goal the government of The Gambia has put in place a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) called Second Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (SPA-II). SPA II priorities are focused on attaining a high level of economic growth (with a special focus on the critical areas of private sector development, agriculture, natural resources, tourism, trade and industry), and a timely attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). An encouraging indication of progress towards the MDGs is the recent assessment of The Gambia’s position with regards to the quantitative development goals adopted in Tokyo in 1998. These include:

1. Universal primary education by 2015, with 80% completion in primary education by 2005.

2. A 50% reduction in 1990 illiteracy rates by 2005, with an emphasis on improving female illiteracy rates.

3. Attaining gender equity in primary and secondary enrolments by 2005. 4. A 50% reduction of the maternal mortality rate of 1990, and a further 50% by

2015. 5. A reduction of the 1990 infant and child mortality rates by a third (33%) by

the year 2015. 6. Provision of universal access to reproductive health services by 2015. 7. Provision of safe water and sanitation for 80% of the population by 2005. 8. A reduction by 50% of the number of malnourished people by 2015. 9. A reduction by 66% of the number of women living in poverty by 2015.

According to the September 2001 report of the World Bank on attainment of these objectives2, The Gambia is on-track towards the attainment of universal primary education by 2015, moderately off-track towards halving the 1990 illiteracy rates by 2005 and on-track towards gender equity in primary and secondary education. The Gambia was the only country listed as being on-track towards reducing infant and child mortality rates by two-thirds by the year 2015, and is also reported as being on-track towards attainment of the target on access to clean drinkable water. The four critical poverty issues addressed under the SPA-II for The Gambia are as follows:

1. Enhancing the Productive Capacity of the Poor. 1.1 Promoting labour-saving devices for Women. 1.2 Providing Access to Credit. 1.3 Re-organising Agricultural R&D to encourage labour intensive

agriculture and development of small ruminants.

2 “ An Assessment of Progress towards the Targets of the 1998 Second Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICADII)”, World Bank Working Paper Series, September 2001.

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2. Enhancing Access to and the Performance of Social Services. 2.1 Expanding access to Basic Social Services in Rural Areas. 2.2 Delivering responsive social programs to the poor. 2.3 Enhancing sustainability and quality of social services. 3. Local Level Capacity Building. 3.1 A Political and Legislative framework for decentralisation. 3.2 Empowerment of Local Government Authorities to assume Decentralised

responsibilities. 4. Promoting Participatory Communications Processes. 4.1 Enhancing Participation beyond Consultation. 4.2 Addressing Gender at National and Local Levels. 4.3 Institutionalising Dialogue between Government, Civil Society and

Donors.

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Chapter 2: The Economy Status of Gambia The Gambia is among the poorest countries in the World. It was ranked 160th (out of 173) in the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI)3. A series of exogenous shocks in the 1970s and 1980s, coupled with inappropriate policies led to a decline in average GDP growth from 7.25% during the 70s to 3.25% during the late eighties. The narrow resource base is a major inhibiting factor to economic resilience, aggravated by a high population growth rate.

Positive results in terms of stabilisation under the economic reform program and its successor program (PSD) could not be sustained as the economy suffered adverse shocks, including the coup of 1994, which adversely affected tourism and aid inflows, the devaluation of the CFA franc and the declining world market prices for the primary export crop, groundnut. Consequently, real GDP growth declined from 5% in 1992 to about 1.7% during 1993-1996.

Since 1998, the pursuit of prudent macro-economic policies and implementation of broad-based structural reforms have, together with favourable climate conditions, resulted in an improvement of the economic environment and laid the foundations for a sustained recovery. Real GDP growth increased to 5.3% between 1998-2001 and offers hope in the renewed effort to reduce poverty. The emerging situation presents an opportunity to investigate ways in which government can consolidate the achievements of successive stabilisation programs and embark on pro-poor growth.

Overall Economic Scenario The outlook for economic performance in The Gambia remains gloomy as the crop failure in 2002 and the rise in inflation are like to have increased the level of poverty. The findings of the AAP, the CFAA and the draft PER also indicated that implementation of the PRSP has been weak due to limited capacity, absence of donor support and inadequate prioritization by the government4. The government has committed itself to address these issues during the preparation of the 2005 budget. On the brighter side, real GDP is estimated to have grown by 7% in 2003 largely on account of a recovery in Agricultural output following the crop failure in 20025. The external current account deficit is estimated to have improved and inflation as measured by 12-month changes in the official consumer price index (CPI) was 18% at the end-2003. There are no reliable data yet for 2004 on real activity or the external account. The CPI

3 UNDP Human Development Report 2003; OUP (2003) 4 Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies for July 1 – December 31, 2004; IMF Staff-Monitored Program for The Gambia, DOSFEA (2004) 5 The recovery in agricultural production contributed 3.5% percentage points to the estimated growth of GDP.

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inflation rate, however, declined from 18% in January to 16% in April 2004. The overall fiscal deficit remained unchanged from 2002 at 4.5% of GDP in 2003. Against this back drop structural and stabilization reforms implemented so far focus on creating an enabling environment for private sector activities, which include the establishment of the Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Trade Zone, Gambia Public Procurement Agency, National Tourism Authority. Other key reforms are recognized in several other sectors for increased economic performance with programmes that support National Governance and Poverty reduction programmes. The major macroeconomic policies of the government includes:

a. Maintain real GDP growth of about 7% for the year (2004) b. Limit average annual inflation to 14.5% c. Contain the external current account deficit (excluding official

transfer) to about 14.5% of GDP: and d. Replenish gross international reserves to about 5 months of imports of

goods and services

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In 2005, the objective of the government is to sustain real GDP growth at 5% and reduce average annual inflation further to around 6%. With the expected return of donor support, the government intends to significantly increase PRSP-related expenditures. The government further envisages that with expected overall improvement in public finances in 2004 would allow some accommodation of these expenditures. Real GDP is now projected to reach 8 percent by end-December, 2004, compared with 7 percent in 2003, as a result of stronger than expected performance of crops, other than groundnuts6. Inflation has declined from 17.9 percent in September 2003, to 12.3 percent in September, 2004, and it is now projected to further drop to 10.5 percent by end-December 2004. The projections in certain quarters of Government are that we may close the year with an inflation rate of 9 percent. Food inflation declined from 19.8 percent a year earlier to 14.2 percent, while non-food inflation dropped from 14.2 percent to 8.3 percent. The budget deficit, which was projected at 11.6 percent of GDP at the beginning of the year, will now close at 3.7 percent of GDP. There will be a basic primary surplus of D1021.8 million, or 8 percent of GDP, an improvement from the actual outcome of 3.7 percent of GDP in 2003. The Government has also undertaken structural reforms in a number of areas, including the passage by the National Assembly of the Budget Management and Accountability Act and the National Revenue Authority Act. The present sitting of the National Assembly will consider The Income and Sales Tax Bill, and also hopefully, a new Central Bank Bill. To sum up, in the words of report from the IMF Staff visit in Oct-Nov 20047, the strengthening of financial policies that began in Sept 2003 has continued through the third quarter of 2004 and all the quantitative indicative targets that were agreed in June 2004 for end-September have been met. Given the current strength of policy implementation the target for end-December 2004 should also be met. PRSP Expenditures Social and poverty reduction program expenditure has suffered in the past two years from the tight fiscal conditions and necessity to restore fiscal viability. The government has now committed to give priority to spending on these programs. Furthermore, it has decided to pay more attention to PRSP expenditures in preparing the budget for 2005 seeking to incorporate input from census and household survey, recommendations of PRSP Progress Report, World Bank’s public expenditure review and reports from line ministries of Health, Education and Agriculture. To ensure implementation of these policies the SPACO will play a greater role in budget preparation process in consultation with DOSFEA and other line ministries.

6 Statement by the Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs on the presentation of the estimates of revenues, recurrent and development expenditures for fiscal year 2005 to the National Assembly on 29th Nov 2004. 7 Concluding Statement of IMF Staff Visit, Oct 21- Nov 3, 2004; DOSFEA

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The domestic fund allocated to PRSP expenditure (excluding debt services) for 2005 is set at 28.3%, a slight drop from the benchmark of 30%. The government’s stated policy and commitment is to align the budget with the PRSP and increase pro-poor spending8. However, much have to be done for a comprehensive classification of Poverty Reducing expenditures in both budget formulation and reporting.

8 Statement by the Hon. Secretary of State, DOSFEA on 29 Nov 2004 in the National Assembly while presenting Estimates of Revenue, Recurrent & Development Expenditure for FY 2005

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Chapter 3 : Status of ICT in The Gambia9

3.1 Introduction Any realistic policy formulation initiative in ICT should invariably start with an assessment of the ICT scenario in that country. The NATCOM with assistance from ECA conducted an e-Survey between July and October 2003 in connection with the development of the National e-Government Strategy. The present NICI process has drawn its basic situational data from the results of this survey. The ICT situation in the Gambia was examined through a multidimensional spectrum on the availability and use of computer equipment, connectivity/internet, telephony, ICT human resources, and the readiness of the country in terms of harnessing ICT for development. This baseline survey focused on these major aspects in various participating institutions: state departments, public enterprises, private sector, NGOs, Civil society Organizations, Intergovernmental organizations and other prominent agencies. The major postulate in analyzing the data from sample institutions was to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in ICT arena in this country. An overall picture of the assessment emerged as answers to the following questions against the four major indicators:

a. ICT Equipment: • Are there enough ICT equipment, applications and infrastructure in the place to

develop e-government in the country? • Where available, are these equipment put to optimal use? If not, why?

b. Internet/Connectivity: • Is there a reliable and affordable internet/connectivity available to support e-

government? • How much and for what purposes the available connectivity/internet facilities

are being used?

c. Telephony: • Are there reliable and affordable telephone systems in the country? • How much and how far the available telephone facilities are being used for

information sharing?

d. Human Resources: • Are there enough human resources available to support e-government? • If not, what are the training needs of the HR in ICT?

e. ICT Development and Policy

9 This chapter on the Status of ICT in The Gambia is basically compiled from the Base Line Study Report on e-Govt Program commissioned by ECA earlier in July/2003.

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• Are there plans and polices already in place to facilitate e-government? • If not, what are the obstacles for development of ICT and e-government?

3.2 ICT Equipments The government institutions in The Gambia are fairly provided with ICT equipment and peripherals. Approximately half of the government offices are having sufficient number of workstations and servers (45.1%). Therefore, the government departments can safely take a lead in e-government initiatives with some additional equipment input in remote locations and certain marginalized offices like divisional commissioners’ offices and local area councils. Another positive factor is that the private sector is also having a fair number of ICT equipment. It is therefore an advantage towards e-business plans in this country. In fact some of the private sector institutions are far ahead of government in optimizing the use of ICT equipment for business. Given an opportunity these private sector enterprises can really create a conducive e-business climate that will go hand in hand with e-government initiatives. In terms of budgetary allocation, again the private sector enterprises spend a relatively high percentage of their overall budget on ICT equipment than the government institutions. During the survey and subsequent analysis of data, it became very clear that though the overall number of ICT equipment in government offices and private enterprises presents an impressive picture, if we really look into the physical cluster of these equipment the spread of ICT equipment is not balanced. In fact, some offices have majority of the equipment in large number while others are relatively poor in ICT equipment. Same is also true about private sector also. The situation becomes worse if we compare the scenario in urban-rural perspective. The offices in the remote locations are still languishing with slow and unstable machines installed years ago. Given the fact that only half of the office government departments in capital city are having ICT equipment, there is an inherent weakness that without a wider coverage of these offices in terms of ICT equipment the actual impact of e-government initiative may be limited or even hindered in its implementation. In rural areas the situation becomes worse. The major challenge in this sector is to equip all the government offices with sufficient number of ICT equipment in a planned and proportionate manner keeping in view the workload and government-public interface ratio. Again, the public sector enterprises are very poor in ICT Equipment and as such their ICT equipment provisions and budgetary allocations have to be increased to a great extent. The private sector enterprises are already aware of the benefits of ICT in business and they will obviously equip themselves with more machines and peripherals, provided they are made more familiar with e-transactions and information security. Therefore, the challenge is to make all the stakeholders- government, private and public enterprises

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- more accustomed to various aspects of e-Government and put in place a legal framework to protect information rights and privacy to guarantee adequate information security. There is also an urgent need of creating a balance between various government institutions in terms of ICT equipment to offset a digital divide that prevails among different departments of the government. The challenge is to boost the neglected sectors and rural offices so that they can take part and contribute equally in the total e-government processes. 3.3 Use of Computers and Applications A fair number of government institutions are connected to local area network. The same is truer about proportionately larger number of private enterprises. In fact, in having computer security plans public and private enterprises are far ahead of government-departments. The existence of these LANs in both government and the private sectors gives a stronger starting point for piloting e-government in identified sectors while simultaneously helping the others to network themselves in time.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Per c

ent

Government

Public Enterprise

Private SectorNGO IGO

Sector

Figure 2: Percentage of Institutions in Certain Computer Applications

Comp. Security plan Internal email Intranet email

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Another advantageous point is that a number of institutions are having their own data base systems in place. It means that when inter-connected information flow and sharing will be much easier and faster. In fact these isolated data bases can create the information society environment easily given a secure, reliable and affordable connectivity to link them together. In computer security or information protection mechanism the government institutions are very weak. In any e-government setup it is vital that data transmitted through a network and open to public access are well protected by system security plans as well as guarded by adequate legal enforcement. It appears that except a handful of government offices most of the government institutions are not using any security plan. Though, as indicated earlier, the private and public sector enterprises are comparatively more equipped with some basic security plans they also need some review and up gradation of such plans. The use of ICT equipment and applications in this country is mainly hindered by a lack of reliable support services. The weakness in this area is such more felt in rural area where machines remain idle for months due to unreachable or even unavailable support. It is also indicated that with a handful of ICT personnel in the country, it becomes difficult to retain the ICT expertise within institutions for a long time. Local ICT firms are found to be lacking in adequate manpower to cater for the needs of the existing ICT equipments even though most of the institutions are subcontracting support services to external vendors. Another striking weakness is the minimal use of internal information exchange through LANs. It seems that even offices connected on LAN still use conventional modes instead of using intranet for emailing documents, graphs, images etc. This may be due to the lack of computer training on the part of individual users to change into the new system of communication. Besides, the lack of interconnectivity between offices comes as a major obstacle in inter-office communication that makes it more difficult for a particular office having a LAN to use multiple medium of information sharing. The first and foremost challenge is to make institution based specific database systems that can be subsequently interconnected and ultimately open to public access over the internet. All major government departments should focus on building their database that are also to be secured. That leads to another area that needs immediate attention information security. Once the database systems are put in place the question of data security will be a vital factor to assure reliability of the shared data. The needs for adequate security mechanism and legal framework cannot be over emphasized. To put the available ICT equipment to proper use as a means of communication and information sharing rather than stand alone use, inter departmental connectivity is the most essential pr requisite. Therefore, there is an urgent need to set up LANs in various offices and connect them together through WAN.

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There is an urgent need to create a conducive environment for ICT Support Services in the country. More ICT vendors and service providers, especially in maintenance, are to be encouraged to start operating in the country and provide reliable and affordable support services to the ICT users in all sectors. We have found during the survey that there is a vast gap in support service for ICT users in rural areas and remote locations. Perhaps the challenge is to make ICT users better trained in basic troubleshooting and at same time create specialized technical support environment by facilitating more ICT support service providers in the country. 3.4 Internet Access The major advantage of the Gambia in Internet access is the presence of four ISPs – Gamtel, QuantumNet, Netpage and Airtip – who are licensed to operate in the country. Because of the competitive environment that prevailed among ISPs, the Internet service is comparatively cheaper than many African countries. In fact, at an average of 200 Dalasis equivalent to 8US$ per month for unlimited access and less than 50 cents per hour for phone/dial up time, it is one of the most affordable Internet services in the continent. There is a proliferation of Internet cafes and telecentres in the Greater Banjul area and many are also coming up in rural areas also. Gamtel is planning to establish at least one Internet Café / Multimedia Centre in each growth centre. Along with the presence of the ISPs a number of web-services are readily available from email and net-surfing to domain name hosting, web designing and publishing and even e-banking (For instance, Trust Bank and Arab Gambian Islamic Bank). The Gambia was one of the first countries to benefit from the Internet Initiative for Africa with an Internet Gateway to link the country to global information super highway. Most of the access to Internet in The Gambia is through dial up telephony. There is almost no leased line/direct access to Internet. In government offices primarily because of the exorbitant cost involved. Consequently the Internet access is quite slow for large amount of data transfer. Connected with this are the problems of frequent disconnection while online and limited bandwidth. For an efficient e-government to run smoothly and efficiently more dedicated direct connections are needed with sufficient bandwidth. Users of Internet have indicated that the speed of current dial-up internet services is very slow resulting in high dial up time cost and less reliable information exchange where large volumes of data/file transfers are concerned. However, despite the presence of four ISPs and impressive Internet spread in the Greater Banjul area, the general Internet penetration rate remains very low in rural areas, as the actual numbers of institutions connected to the Internet in remote areas are very few.

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The immediate challenge for the Gambia is to make available more reliable speedy and quality Internet access to various institutions. Availability of Internet access in government offices, particularly in service departments, local government offices in provinces will go a long way to provide Gambians with information, and services essential for any successful e-government. To increase access, community Internet centers (free and paid) are required to be established throughout the country. At the same time Internet access cost is to be made more affordable to general public with increased number of networked computers in business institutions, schools to increase sharing access among individuals/users. Prominent government offices are to be provided with dedicated connection to Internet so that more web-based services can be initiated with adequate information security. ISPs are to be encouraged to increase their bandwidth with a corresponding increase in national gateway bandwidth. 3.5 Use of Internet Due to the presence of a large number of Cyber Cafes use of Internet for email is very high. There has been significant reduction in Internet connection costs. Consequently people are very much enthusiastic to get more information and services online. Quite a number of institutions are now hosting their websites/WebPages providing at least general information about the services available. A large number of government departments and private enterprises have indicated keen interest to launch their websites in near future. The Gambia is still to make its presence fairly visible on the web in terms of local content and information. Beyond emails the users are still to be accustomed with other uses of Internet such as video conferencing, Internet telephony, file sharing/FTP, recruitment, mailing lists etc. Most of the institutions in general don’t have their own websites. Though a few have launched their websites, these websites don’t have advance interactive options such as dynamic web tools. The number of registration of domain names is very low, especially under country code top-level domain (.gm). Web development activities are mainly externally subcontracted indicating the lack of institutional web expertise. There is an immediate need to put more local content on the web through hosting of more websites. To encourage launching of more institutional websites web development services may be provided by a government agency for all the departments while inviting the private sector to avail the facility or encourage them to put up their websites from their own resources.

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At present the country code top-level domain name of the Gambia (.gm) is under the administration of a foreign private individual. It is, therefore, essential to acquire the ccTLD and encourage Internet users, institutions and government department to register under this domain name to make the Gambia more visible on the web. To encourage more utilization of Internet services, staff and members of various institutions are to be oriented towards diverse utilities/services provided through Internet. Regular and frequent Internet usage training programmes are to be conducted in government departments. Private institutions are also to be encouraged to undertake similar exercises. 3.6 Telephony The Gambia claims to have one of the most reliable telephone systems in Africa. According to the information provided by the Strategic Planning Unit of Gamtel, the country has a fixed line telephone penetration rate of 3.1%. The penetration rate is 6% in urban areas and about 1% in rural areas. Combined with mobile phones there is a total penetration rate of 11%. It has laid a fibre optic cable on the south bank of the river Gambia that run across the country. An ambition project has been launched to lay similar fibre optic line on the north bank of the river thus covering even the remotest parts of the country. With this expansion a projected demand of 230,000 new fixed lines in next five years will be met. In the year 2003 itself, it is planned that 90,000 additional lines will be installed. The average repair time of the telephone outages within customers’ premises is 48 hours. Other key reliability indicators are presented in Figure:5.

Figure 5: Key Performance Indicators for Gamtel

1984 1994 2001 2004* Faults/line/year >2.5 0.6 0.54 <0.5 Faults Cleared – 24hrs <45% 76% 70% >70% Faults Cleared – 48hrs <55% 88% 78% >78% International Incoming Answer/Seizure ratio

N/A 78% 65% 80%

* Projected (Source: Pa Gaye, DPD, Gamtel)

In the mobile phone area these are two mobile phone operators in the Gambia - Gamcel and Africel - with a total customer base of 100,000. In mobile phone sector also new expansion plans are already in place. Public telephone access services like Telecentres are very much widespread in Greater Banjul area and a number of such Telecentres are operating in rural areas making telephone service available to the public in almost all parts of the country.

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Though institutions are well connected through telephones, some extended use of these lines like teleconferencing is not common. In fact, only 4.2% government institution use teleconferencing facility. Similarly, telephone usage is almost missing. Basically those institutions that are having operator/PBX system are using them for incoming and outgoing calls only. Interestingly, though available, ISDN services are still to be utilized by these institutions for voice/data transfer. In rural areas, particularly in local government offices, where telephone is the only communication link with the capital, at times telephones go out of order for hours together. In remote areas such erratic telephone service may be a major handicap. Expansion of telephone services to rural areas, particularly on the north bank of the river Gambia is the immediate challenge to increase tele-density of the country. At the same time, on the south bank the projected increase in telephone connection is to be achieved as per time plan. Proposed fibre optic cable installation on the north bank of the river Gambia should be executed on time to actually link all parts of the country evenly and to spread telephone services to remote areas. Wireless loop line should also be installed in certain areas where demand is very high for immediate redeployment. 3.7 ICT Development and Policy Issues The mass awareness demand or at least a visionary driving force which gives a kick start to ICT development in a society is very much felt in all spheres of activities in the Gambia. This can be said to be the ‘feel good factor’ in the whole process of this country’s endeavour to map the journey to e-government. People, cutting across the sectors, are well aware of the potential benefits of ICT in their respective institutions. They have the basic ICT awareness or computer literacy but they want more training and orientation on ICT use. The demand for more ICT personnel, particularly with advance technical expertise is very high in all institutions. In the area of ICT development policies and regulations, the Gambia is also well on the track as a part of the country’s larger development objective of vision 2020 to transform the Gambia into a technologically advanced and information rich society by the year 2020. The country has already taken some initiatives in this direction in the past to formulate a National Communication and Information Policy (NACIP). Now, as an advanced stage to that process, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is supporting The Gambia in development of a National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) plan. This major policy is expected to create a very catalytic atmosphere for harnessing ICT in the country in all sectors. To mention an associated initiative, the Internet regulatory Authority is being formulated. Above all, the vision and priority given by the Gambia government to develop an e-government strategy at the national level and promote the country as a regional model

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in the networked world is a very positive factor indicating the e-readiness of the country. A national effort in this regard with coordinated planning across institutions and stakeholders clearly show that the e-government is one of the highest national priorities. The major weakness in the Gambia’s ICT development is the lack of specialized manpower. The demand for technical support personnel is very acute and such demand will go higher when more ICT equipment are put to use in a networked environment. The local capacity in ICT Training institutions is far below the demands. Moreover, the available ICT expertise is often difficult to be retained with adequate incentives within the government departments due to the more lucrative opportunities available outside. Advanced training is not available inside the country in the area of database management, network administration, web publishing and hardware maintenance. As such getting personnel trained outside the country put a very high burden on human resources budget. The gender imbalance is very much evident as the mean number of female personnel specialized in ICT is less than half of their male counterparts. The Gambian women in general are disadvantaged in socio-economic and political arenas and this is also reflected in their minimal presence in ICT driven professions. It is, therefore, very crucial to address this particular issue while moving towards a gender-balanced information society in this country through proper human resources development initiatives in ICT. E-government or any ICT driven initiative cannot be sustained without stable and uninterrupted power supply. This is a major area of concern in the Gambia especially in the rural area where electricity is very much erratic and for many working hours offices remain without power. No alternative sources are available and as such ICT equipment are just shut down for hours together. High costs of equipment together with lack of necessary fund for ICT infrastructure development is another handicap in many institutions. As a further impediment in this regard, some also cite a lack of initiative on the part of management to put budget, effort and interest in embracing ICT. Lack of proper infrastructure, modern equipment and materials are shown as another obstacle to ICT development in many offices and institutions. The rural institutions are very much poor in this area. There is a felt need for a complete overhaul of their ICT setup should there be any inclusive e-government policy to succeed in reaching the people at grassroots and provide access to all. At present very few institutions have ICT master plans in place and even those who have such plans are lacking proper mechanism to implement those plans. ICT education should be given top most priority in secondary schools. The ICT penetration in school should be increased many fold with necessary boost in student-computer ratio, ICT teacher training programmes and development of new curriculum and evaluation system for ICT education in the country.

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In the post-secondary level quality specialized training in ICT should be provided through formal education system and also through open and distance leaning programmes adopting life-long learning approach. Similar programmes are to be launched for entire workforce to enhance their skills and efficiency in ICT. In all such education and training endeavours careful attention is to be given to strengthening the content of ICT education beyond computer literacy and secretarial practice to integrate advanced aspects of ICT to create and support an information society and sustain e-government initiatives in all sectors. ICT education and training programmes employees as well as unemployed need to be expanded with market demand oriented plans. Stronger government-private partnership to be established creating opportunities for internships, vocational training as well as specialized professional mentoring programmes in technology, policy and ICT management. An environment is to be created at all levels of government and private sector to foster a culture of transparency, efficiency, creativity and information sharing in the country. Necessary policies and regulations facilitating both information sharing and information protection in public domain are to be adopted immediately in line with overall e-government goals. All government and private institutions are to draw their own ICT master plans in line with the overall national ICT plans particularly attending to the needs of e-government initiatives. Necessary infrastructure and technical support are to be provided to help various institutions to execute their master plans. Existing master plans are to be periodically and realistically reviewed and updated. 3.8 Overall ICT Scenario The main focus of this baseline study was to identify existing ICT resources in The Gambia in order to assess the e-readiness of the country in relation to the proposed e-government initiative. However, from the findings of the study, following aspects may be highlighted in the context of developing the NICI policy and plans:

a. The country has sufficient ICT equipment in a number of institutions and it has the potential to introduce e-government programme in some identified sectors where such equipments are available. However, availability of ICT equipment across all institutions is not uniform, especially in the rural areas.

b. A fair number of institutions are connected to LAN. But, none of the institutions are interconnected and the LAN is hardly used for intra-institutional communication purposes.

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c. It is encouraging that there are four ISPs in The Gambia and the Internet access cost is quite reasonable compared to other African countries. There is a large number of Internet cafés and telecenters accessible to public in capital city and adjoining areas. A number of web-services are also available through these ISPs. However, such services are hardly utilized by various institutions at present mainly due to lack of awareness and necessary expertise.

d. The Internet is mainly used for email purposes and the visibility of The Gambia on the web is very negligible in terms of local contents and information.

e. The telephone system in the country is fairly strong with fiber optic line covering a major portion of the country (south bank of the river Gambia). With the proposed extension of the fibre optic line on the north bank forming a loop across the country the telephone system will be more reliable to support ICT based services in near future.

f. ICT development initiatives are taking shape in the country. However, there is a very acute shortage of adequate human resources in terms of ICT expertise to support such major initiatives. The proposed IT cadre is an illustrative effort in this direction.

g. The education sector from the secondary to university level appeared to have already mapped the course of action towards making the country education system to cater to the demands of ICT-driven society in future. The Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia was specifically enthusiastic to launch advanced ICT programmes for building up the technical manpower with the country through regular as well as Open and Distance Learning programmes.

h. Last but not the least, the lack of reliable electric supply and its virtual nonexistence in rural areas is a major hurdle towards sustaining the e-government initiatives in the country.

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Chapter 4: The Policy Framework 4.1 Development of Policy Framework Based on the input from the consultative meetings with the stakeholders, analysis of various policy papers adopted by the government and desk research on e-strategies formulated by various other African countries under ECA’s AISI framework in the recent years, following ten pillars were identified and approved by the NICI Core Group10 for further discussion and elaboration at the next stakeholders’ workshop11 in the next phase: Against each of these identified pillars some specific issues were enlisted with committed roles of the stakeholders consulted and a tentative target was set for each activities. These issues and targets were, however, only suggestive in nature in order to lead the next phase of the NICI Process which included a workshop of stakeholders held in Banjul from 29 November to 1st December, 2004 where these issues were further discussed and crystallised into concrete policy statements and plans. The guiding framework of the pillars or priority areas of NICI Policy and Plans is presented below: 10 The framework was approved by the NICI Core Group on 13 July, 2004. A few modifications suggested by the members were incorporated in the framework that includes the enlisting of Agriculture as a separate pillar. 11 The Workshop was held in Banjul on 29 Nov-1 Dec, 2004.

NICI POLICY

Infrastructure

Regulatory Issues

Local Governance

Education Trade and Commerce

Health

e-Governance

Agriculture

Media Gender

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PILLARS SPECIFIC ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

COMMITTED ROLES AND SUGGESTED ACTIONS

1. Infrastructure 1. Strong Public - Private sector cooperation/partnerships to be established in providing more enabling environment for the use of ICT for development in the country. This should necessarily include, but not limited to the following:

2. Power: Rural Electrification Project to be completed in time.

3. Teledensity: Rural telephone connectivity to be increased

4. Increasing Teledensity in the urban area.

5. Exploration of alternative sources of Energy.

6. Use of emerging technologies like Wi-Fi / Wireless technology.

a. NAWEC is commissioning new power stations under its REP. b. Gamtel has planned at least four working telephone lines per village in the country by the end of 2004.

2. Regulatory Issues

1. Telecom: Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) created under PURA Act 2001. But the body lack manpower to handle the telecom regulatory tasks.

2. Media: Continued uncertainty in the legal framework for media.

3. Freedom of Information and expression

a. PURA has to be strengthened in terms of manpower and training. b. The Gambia should have an independent ICT Commission / Authority to act as a national apex body to coordinate all ICT related activities in the country c. The African Commission on People’s and Human Rights (ACHPR) will collaborate with the govt to put in place a plan for effective promotion and protection of human rights in ICT use as per their Strategy Plan (2003-2006). d. Create certainty in the legal environment of media Establish independent Media Commission/council

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PILLARS SPECIFIC ISSUES TO BE

ADDRESSED COMMITTED ROLES AND

SUGGESTED ACTIONS 3. Local Governance

1. Delivery of services to the poor.

2. Agricultural Information for the rural farmers

3. Web based marketing for the small farmers in the rural areas.

4. Facilitating dialogue between the government and rural citizens through Internet and enhancing participation of the people at the grassroots level.

5. Addressing Gender issues: Participation of women at local/national government and policymaking.

a. Local government offices at the divisional level are to be connected through dial-up and internet centres to be established for the LG offices. b. Rural Multimedia Centres are planned to be set up by the Women’s Bureau.

4. Education 1. Provide all school going students with an opportunity to acquire ICT skills.

2. EMIS: Education management information system to be upgraded

3. Training at Gambia College on ICT4D.

4. Advance Training on ICT

by the University of The Gambia, Management Development Institute, GTMI and GTTI

5. Distance Learning programmes on ICT

6. Connecting the youth Organisations and providing easy and affordable access to information for youths through IT Centers at the divisional offices of DOSYS

7. National Youth Policy (1999-2008) to be reviewed with a view to incorporate ICT training as a part of youth empowerment.

a. Education department to vigorously follow the departmental ICT HRD policy (2004-2017). b. EMIS upgrading proposed under e-Govt sectoral strategy. c. ICT training program at Gambia College by Education Dept. d. Each institution to follow its respective ICT training programs and advance courses. e. Distance Learning program centre proposed by The University of The Gambia under e-Govt sectoral project. f. DOSYS and NYC and organisations under the National Association of Youth & Children Organisation (NAYCO) to propose and implement countrywide network though internet/IT centers. g. DOSYS in collaboration with youth organisation to plan IT training programme for youths.

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PILLARS SPECIFIC ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

COMMITTED ROLES AND SUGGESTED ACTIONS

5. Health 2. Department of State for Health (DOSH) is committed to providing health care information to internal and external stakeholders via website and centralized database services via its Health Management Information System (HMIS)

3. ICT infrastructure for Health.

4. ICT training for all health personnel.

5. Communication and dissemination mechanisms for health sector through use of ICT

a. DoSH&SW is working on the provision of health information to the general public and health professionals through the use of public-access 'HMIS Cafes' both at the central and divisional levels b. Connecting all Divisional Health Teams (DHT) computers through LAN. c. Connecting computers within Banjul Medical & Health complex. d. Medical Research Council (MRC) to set up its own health services network in Banjul and some off shore locations in the country.

6. Trade and Commerce

1. Absence of the enabling environment for e-Commerce.

2. Effect a process of reform in public and private sectors to create a conducive environment to facilitate e-commerce and e-government.

a. Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has proposed an elaborative plan for e-Com in the country that awaits adoption of a enabling IT policy.

b. Association of Small Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) to formulate a plan with the help of affiliated organisations in the private sector.

c. Electronic payment system plan of the Central Bank of Gambia to be implemented. All banks in The Gambia have their IT policy in place to join the system.

d. The Gambia Informational Technology Association (GITA) mooted and launched during the NICI Process would take lead in this direction to prepare detailed action plan and strategies in collaboration with DOSCIT.

e. Small enterprises in tourism

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to adopt a ICT-led strategy for promotion of tourism industry in the country.

f. e-Transaction to be legalised / adopted by the Banks and e-Banking to be encouraged in the country.

g. Transformation of the nascent IT industry in The Gambia into a West African regional hub for assembling, delivering and distribution of ICT products and services.

PILLARS SPECIFIC ISSUES TO BE

ADDRESSED COMMITTED ROLES AND

SUGGESTED ACTIONS 7. e-Governance 1. The national e-

Government project to be piloted connecting President’s Office and the Department of Finance.

2. Other three sectoral e-

Govt projects to be launched in Health, Education and Local Govt departments.

3. Based on the results of the

pilot phase other sectors/departments to be included in e-Govt national initiative.

a. The e-Government strategy adopted by the government of The Gambia to be implemented by the NATCOM. b. The Sectoral e-Govt projects to be completed and reported at the WSIS, Tunis 2005. c. Departments of State for Health and Social Welfare and DOS for Education have some e-governance initiatives that need to be synthesised with the national E-government strategy and integrated into the NICI policy.

8. Agriculture 1. Agriculture is the backbone of economy, engaging 70 percent of the labour force of which two thirds are women.

2. This sector’s contribution to GDP stands at about 20 percent.

3. Horticultural production is concentrated in the peri-urban areas and contributes about 4.2 per cent of GDP.

a. Growth of this sector is constrained by the lack of access to markets both local and international, the absence of logistics such as storage facilities and limited presentation techniques.

b. The absence of linkages with other sectors of the economy, particularly tourism is also a major constraint to growth in

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This sub-sector shows a lot potential growth.

4. The livestock sub-sector contributes 6 per cent to GDP.

5. The fisheries sub-sector has been making a steady growth over the years and presently contributes 8 per cent to GDP.

the sub-sector.

c. The current strategy is to promote private sector participation in livestock production and marketing with a view to increase cattle producers off-take rates so as to resume exports to the sub region. d. Maximise foreign exchange earnings, to create employment and to provide affordable protein to the national population.

PILLARS SPECIFIC ISSUES TO BE

ADDRESSED COMMITTED ROLES AND

SUGGESTED ACTIONS

9. Gender 1. Special ICT Training

programme for the women to negotiate the gender disparity in IT skills that prevails the country.

2. Enhance the participation of

the Gambian women in IT sector.

a. Special programme to be launched at all levels by the Department of education in collaboration with other agencies / CSOs / NGOs. b. Establishment of rural multimedia centres for women by Women’s Bureau.

10. Media

1. Strengthening of media sector

with increased focus on training of the local media personnel on the use and application of ICT in order to play an active role in informing the society about all the ICT initiatives in the country.

2. Expansion of community media in all divisions and increasing the range of national radio broadcast to cover the whole country.

3. Improve knowledge and skills of media personnel through e-learning initiatives.

a. The Gambia Press Union (GPU) to draw an action plan in this regard in consultation with DOSCIT. b. Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) to plan and to implement the expansion and coverage of its radio & television services countrywide. c. Networking FM stations – sharing of programme contents using internet, wireless and other technologies.

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Chapter 5: Objectives, Challenges and Policy Statements in Priority Areas 1. INFRASTRUCTURE 1.1 Objectives

1.1.1 To liberalize the ICT sector to increase competition and more choice for consumers

1.1.2 To encourage collaboration and coordination in ICT infrastructure development at local, regional and international level.

1.1.3 To develop sufficient ICT Human Resources in the country. 1.1.4 To promote and enable the building and establishment of appropriate

ICT infrastructure and broadband access that supports ICT development countrywide.

1.1.5 To encourage public-private partnership in providing the ICT infrastructure as well as attract both foreign and domestic investment in this sector.

1.1.6 To establish Universal Services Fund to provide reliable basic ICT services for the citizenry countrywide so as to meet Universal Services Obligations.

1.1.7 Increase and improve the bandwidth to ensure reliable and uninterrupted services for ICT application.

1.2 Specific Objectives

1.2.1 To liberalize the ICT sector to increase competition and more choice for consumers

a. There is need to unbundled the international gateway and provide

equitable access in the form of cooperation among players. b. Promote fair competition and private investment in the ICT sector

especially on development and encouragement of local participation including specific incentives for investing in ICT.

c. To liberalize ownership of fixed network and PSTN to enhance efficiency. d. To liberalize but regulate Internet Access and not restricted through

Gamtel. 1.2.2 To encourage collaboration and coordination in ICT development at local,

regional and international level.

a. To Ensure public private partnership in providing the necessary infrastructure.

b. To facilitate access to basic services through collaboration in the use of the infrastructure by all players.

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1.2.3 The government should develop a highly trained ICT Cadre through appropriate educational programmes in liaisons with tertiary institutions with the right incentive schemes.

1.3. Challenges

1.3.1 The need for more political commitment. 1.3.2 Insufficient financial resources to build networks. 1.3.3 Lack of continuity in the administrations at policy level. 1.3.4 Inefficient management and utilization of human resources. 1.3.5 Lack of enough bandwidth capacity and costs associated with acquiring

bandwidth. 1.3.6 Lack of ICT facilities for the youth at the NYC&D/MYC.

1.4 Policy Statements

Recognizing the role ICT plays in the socio-economic development of a nation, The Gambia government commits itself to make ICT as an integral part of national development goals through putting in place necessary infrastructure to support nation wide ICT initiatives in all sectors. In order to achieve this goal the government will:

1.4.1 Ensure that reliable state of the art ICT infrastructure, with adequate

capacity, high speed broadband access is provided to all stakeholders. 1.4.2 Create the enabling environment for the application and utilization of

ICT resources in all sectors of the economy focusing on, but not limited to, agriculture, health, finance, education, trade and tourism

1.4.3 Increasingly utilize ICT infrastructure and services for efficient public administration and service delivery to enhance the decentralization process in the local administration.

1.4.4 Encourage the participation of the private sector in development of ICT infrastructure and provision of ICT services as well as promote foreign and direct investment in the sector to enhance growth in the economy.

2. REGULATORY ISSUES 2.1 General Objectives

2.1.1 To establish an enabling and desirable legal and regulatory framework. 2.1.2 To liberalize the ICT market to enhance efficiency and competition. 2.1.3 To encourage consumer participation through establishing users’ forum

in various public utility areas.

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Specific Objectives

To establish an enabling and desirable legal and regulatory framework to take into account, among other things, the convergence of technologies. Establish Universal Service Fund to provide funds to develop ICT infrastructure in remote or less profitable locations. To give the regulator the require tools and resources necessary to carryout its functions with fairness. To ensure reliable Universal Access to basic ICT services to all consumers at affordable costs.

Challenges

Lack of enabling regulatory framework to regulate ICT related activities in general and to promote private investment in deploying ICT infrastructure is a major challenge for the implementation of ICT policies. Consequent upon similar weakness, some of the major challenges facing the regulatory issues in The Gambia are as follows:

Competing the established public operator effectively in the telecom market.

Lack of well developed application architecture that coordinates smooth interoperability of various electronic networks. Diverse standards for ICT devices and applications and varying protocols and manufacturing specifications. Lack of confidence in the security of e-transactions among the public. Increased threat of unauthorized transfer of data to third parties in the absence of proper legislation on protection of digital rights. Policy Statements In order to provide appropriate transparent, legal and regulatory environment for the development, expansion and application of ICT in all spheres of governance and socio-economic activities in the country, the government will:

Liberalize the telecommunications sector by opening up markets for competition to make the telecommunications services market lucrative for private investors. Endeavour to formulate common regulatory policies in cooperation with other countries in the region to increase domestic demand and enhance export opportunities. Adopt technology neutral policies as a means of attracting more investments.

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Adjust imbalances in traffic and tariff through fair policies on the interconnection between different network providers and operators such as mobile and public switched networks.

Moreover, in formulating regulatory policies the government will consider the following key issues:

Thresholds of foreign equity participation Limits on the number of licenses Criteria for granting licenses such as applicant’s financial and technical capacity Licensing fees and processing times Opportunity for extending the scope of services covered under existing licenses Type of networking technologies (wireless, fixed line or satellite communication systems) to be adopted Auction spectrum licenses for 3G mobile network operators to attract domestic and foreign investment.

The present nomenclature of Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOSCIT) appears to be ambiguous in its scope and it should be preferably renamed as Department of State for Information and Communication Technologies (DOSICT) to reflect its exact role and scope of its mandate in ICT related activities in the country. 3. LOCAL GOVERNMENT 3.1 General Objectives The Local Governments Act 2002 of The Gambia is a Political and Legislative framework for decentralisation. Within the scope of this act are the major objectives of the sector are outlined as follows:

3.1.1 Empowerment of Local Government Authorities to assume Decentralised responsibilities.

3.1.2 To draw up an Action Plan for Decentralisation and Local Government Reforms.

3.1.3 Implementation of a Program of support to Divisional-Level LGAs. 3.1.4 Devolution of responsibilities to Democratically Elected Councils and

Community Structures.

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3.2 Specific Objectives

3.2.1 Empower and facilitate the participation of rural communities in the decentralization process through use of ICT in order to extend the process of decentralization to grassroots and develop an integrated approach to development.

3.2.2 Facilitate the flow and management of information to enhance good governance through decentralization.

3.2.3 Empowerment of rural women in using ICTs towards the attainment of the objectives of Beijing+10

3.3 Challenges

3.3.1 Low level of ICT knowledge in the rural areas 3.3.2 High cost of ICT equipment 3.3.3 Cultural inhibitions against using ICT 3.3.4 Inadequate power supply in rural areas 3.3.5 Adequate access to ICT facilities at community level 3.3.6 Lack of ICT infrastructure to facilitate easy flow of information at the

local government level. 3.3.7 High cost of electricity in rural area where available 3.3.8 Sustainability of ICT infrastructure at local level 3.3.9 Limited budgetary allocation to finance ICT equipment and services at

the local government offices. 3.3.10 Lack of sufficient coverage on issues affecting peoples

3.4 Policy Statements The use of ICT in local government sector and in public administration, is gaining momentum. This combined with organisational change and new skills in local government institutions will improve public services and democratic processes and strengthen support to public policies, increase accountability and productivity. As such, recognising the fact that use of ICT at the local government involves the electronic delivery of services that reduces the cost of internal operations of a government as well as its interactions with communities and citizens, the government will: 3.4.1 Initiate radical re-engineering of administrative processes to facilitate

government-citizen interaction through use of ICT.

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3.4.2 Ensure that country wide courage in terms of available ICT infrastructure is put in place to increase Tele-density from the current 6% urban and 1 % Rural to 20% towards vision 2020 target and the same time increase the computer density at all levels.

3.4.3 Entice the private sector to participate in financing ICT project and programs in rural areas to support local government administrations.

3.4.6 Increase access to information and lower transaction costs for citizens in the rural areas through proper information management systems at the local government level should with the application of ICT

3.4.7 Establish tactical advisory committees at the central and local government levels in order to facilitate the functioning of effective service delivery mechanism through ICT.

3.4.8 Will seek to discourage inappropriate use of ICT that is detrimental to country’s cultural values, ethics, norms and traditional values.

3.4.9 Promotion and incorporation of ICT structures in CDD (Community Driven Development) activities.

3.4.10 Creation of documentation centres where a variety of information on ICT can be made available

4. EDUCATION 4.1 General Objective

4.1.1 Reduce illiteracy and universal primary education by 2015. 4.1.2 Increase in access to education for women. 4.1.3 Gender equity (in areas, enrollment and hiring). 4.1.4 Capacity building for teachers and administrators. 4.1.5 Decrease dropout rate. 4.1.6 Providing resources for vocational training through relevant curriculum

(consistent training materials) 4.1.7 Provision of a standard quality education and improvement of teacher

quality

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4.1.8 Apply ICT for capacity development and empowerment of young men and women.

4.2 Specific Objectives

4.2.1 Better management (effective & efficient) through ICT by providing an integrated system to meet the needs of employees for more effective monitoring and management of the education system leading to overall cost savings through timely and efficient decision making.

4.2.2 Promotion of computer and information literacy and creation of an ICT culture.

4.2.3 Plan ICT human resource development to sustain the ICT led initiatives in the country.

4.2.4 Provision of necessary ICT resources (hardware, software and applications) to ensure efficient and effective administration of the sector.

4.2.5 Strategic and rewarding partnerships, nationally and internationally, with a view to involving more private sector participation in ICT creating job opportunities for companies and individuals to provide technical support and instructional software development.

4.2.6 Cost effective use of ICT extending the facilities to rural areas with provision of safe internet access to all schools (secondary etc) to provide adult education and computer literacy classes on evenings, weekends, and during school vacation.

4.2.7 Utilization of ICT for Distance and Open Learning to strengthen educational capacity, and also to provide equitable access to limited resources, especially in remote areas by facilitating online courses and e-learning in order to supplement for the shortfalls in higher education and professional training institutions.

4.2.8 Introduction of compulsory ICT training for all teachers and students by 2011.

4.2.9 Maintaining consistent Standards in ICT education curriculum offered by various institutions in the country.

4.2.10 Creation of research facilities by linking schools, libraries, resource centers and research facilities locally and internationally.

4.3. Challenges

4.3.1 Lack of ICT expertise among education administrators and teachers. 4.3.2 Under utilization of available ICT Resources

4.3.2 Lack of technical staff and maintenance resources for ICT equipment. 4.3.3 under utilization/neglect of older/traditional technologies (e.g. TV Radio,

CD-ROMs) for educational purposes 4.3.4 High cost of ICT equipment and Internet facilities for existing school

budgets.

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4.3.5 Limited budget allocations for sustaining the initial investments in ICT

through maintenance and upgrading resulting in breakdown of equipment.

4.3.6 Budgetary/funding constraints for professional development of teachers in ICT knowledge and skills.

4.3.7 Disparity in access to ICT between urban and rural institutions. 4.3.8 Staff attrition due to low salaries coupled with poor working conditions

make the teaching profession unattractive to trained IT personnel, who are in great demand elsewhere in industry

4.3.9 Bureaucratic obstacles and an overall resistance to change in the system. 4.3.10 Assessment, certification and standardization of ICT courses offered by

diverse institution in public and private sector. 4.3.11 Lack of funding from Government on ICT under National Youth Policy

coupled with lack of effective and proper monitoring and evaluation of youth programmes countrywide.

4.3.12 Lack of support from local Authority to Divisional/ Municipal Youth committees and other Civil society organizations e.g. NAYCO.

4.4 Policy Statements The Department of State for Education recognises the importance of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as essential tools to facilitate effective and efficient management of the sector for delivery of equitable, cost effective, relevant, affordable and sustainable quality education. However, it is aware of the thereat that introduction of ICTs in some schools may lead to another digital divide between schools who have access to resources, and those who do not. Keeping the opportunities and threats of using ICT, the government declares that/is of the view that:

4.4.1 The fundamental role of ICT will be for the improvement of teaching and learning methods as well as the general effectiveness management in schools and other formal and non-formal education institutions and settings.

4.4.2 A comprehensive ICT Policy for Education and Master Plan will be put in place resolving among other things

I. How to provide personnel and funding for introducing and sustaining ICTs in all levels/sections of the system.

II. How to provide hardware in a cost effective manner, targeted student-computer rations, the configuration and placement of ICT facilities and technical support for students and teachers.

III. How to build up a stock of software and provide its creative application in teaching and learning

IV. How to enable teachers, i.e. provide then with proper ICT training, computer facilities as well as professional support.

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V. How to adapt the school curriculum accordingly VI. How to provide the necessary network infrastructure for teachers and

student to have access to knowledge and share information VII. How to appoint additional staff to support ICT facilities.

VIII. How to exploit Open and Distance Learning to enhance ICT in education across the country to fill the gap in IT Human Resources and trained teachers.

IX. How to encourage research and development in ICT activities in education.

X. How to apply ICT in the general management and administration of the education sector linking it to other Government Departments.

XI Delivery and communication of information shall be timely and relevant from the recipient's perspective.

XII Procedures will be developed regarding copying and the communication of copyright of educational materials.

XIII Parents and civil society shall be made a partner in evolving the new changes that are taking place in the education system through the use of ICT.

XIV Adequate resources will be allocated to implement the DOSE ICT Policy in a time bound manner.

XV A Mechanism will be established for staff motivation and retention in ICT education.

2. Health General Objectives

5.1.1 Delivery of quality health services 5.1.2 Decrease maternal mortality 5.1.3 Decrease infant mortality 5.1.4 Universal access to basic health services 5.1.5 Safe water and sanitation 5.1.6 Reduction in malnourished 5.1.7 Increase awareness of STI/HIV & AIDS

Specific Objectives

Provision of DoSH&SW WAN Substantial reduction in malnutrition among children

Provide health information to all stakeholders (via ICT Web site etc) ICT training for all DOSH&SW health personnel staff ( using ICT)

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Create documentation centre in each division Provision of Internet Access to all health centres (Need NAWEC) Provision of health care through telemedicine Computerised record management (birth & death) Provide distance learning through ICT (for health professionals) Provide centre point management i.e one-stop-shop for provision of health information service. Provide effective management of ICT resource Provide consistent ICT standard (and enforcement) Provide effective power supply for health facilities, DHTs & Central offices (ICT installation) Provide effective maintenance of ICT equipment & support Provide effective monitoring and evaluation system for ICT (including auditing) Provide effective security and privacy of medical records Apply ICT for capacity development and empowerment of young men and women

Challenges

Staff attrition Inadequate government funds (inadequate allocations) Inadequate ICT infrastructure and power supply Insufficient ICT expertise and qualified personnel for providing medical information on the web with access to correct information, and suitability to specific areas, quality of content and adaptation to local/individual needs. Data security threats from sharing vital health-care information of individuals and giving access to medical records using applications over open networks such as the Internet.

5.4 Policy Statements To realize benefits of ICT in health sector, The Gambia will draw from the experiences of different countries in this area specifically referring to three main applications of ICT in the health sector – clinical, administrative and educational12. Towards this goal the government will

12 Recommendations of the World Telemedicine Symposium for Developing Countries organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

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5.4.1. Connect Health Care Centers/Hospitals in rural areas to be networked with the nearest major health care centers in urban areas by means of message transmission systems (text, audio and video), thus allowing cooperation and collaboration between institutions.

5.4.2. Support use of ICT to spread the reach of scarce resources across wide geographic areas through the use of audio and video transmission systems.

5.4.3. Encourage content development in the sector to reduce inconsistencies in data sharing and medical terminologies by enhancing quality of information specific to different fields of medicine and clinical treatment through Meta search engines and databases such as Pubmed.

5.4.4. Provide a web-based portal for dissemination of Epidemiological information on diseases such as STI/HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria linked with existing clinical and medical databases for prevention and diagnostic purposes.

5.4.5. Facilitate Research through the use of ICTs to explore ways of disseminating genetic information within existing clinical systems to help diagnosis, treatment and development of cost-effective drugs.

5.4.6. Promote closer relation and Collaborate with private entrepreneurs and regional initiatives in health sector.

5.4.7. Establish mechanism for staff motivation and retention of health staff within DOSH&SW.

5.4.8. Provide adequate budget to sustain ICT initiatives in health (e.g. HMIS). 6. TRADE AND COMMERCE 6.1 General Objective

6.1.1 To achieve a solid infrastructure base for industrial development that would permit the processing of all primary products by the year 2020 (Ref: Vision 2020).

6.1.2 Raise the contribution of the industrial sector to 25-30 per cent by the year 2020 through focusing on the manufacturing sub-sector.

6.1.3 Develop of a foreign investment driven 'export sector by designing a special incentive package for export oriented investment and ensuring the smooth functioning of a one-step investment service

6.1.4 Develop domestic primary resource based industrial sector driven by both foreign and local investment comprising small medium and large enterprises and catering for export as well as domestic demand.

6.1.5 Establishment of free economic zones and special industrial zone, which will benefit from specials regimes to be established under a Free Zone Authority.

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6.1.6 Use the country's competitive advantage to expand and strengthen the service sector in the West African region.

6.2 Specific Objectives

6.2.1 To facilitate the necessary enabling environment through rapid planning, deployment and exploitation of ICT infrastructure to support the country’s goal of industrial development and growth in service sector.

6.2.2 To initiate a process reform in the governments interaction with the business sector by introducing supporting framework for functioning of the regulatory organs.

6.2.3 To develop virtual operating companies and e-merchants accounts. 6.2.4 To provide incentives to stimulate private sector through measures like

Tax Holidays for indigenous ICT companies and provision of trade and investment information can attract more investments and multinational collaboration To facilitate funding of pilot projects from sources such as government financial institutions and supported venture capitalists.

6.2.5 To facilitate the immediate launching on e-banking and electronic payment system in the country in collaboration with the banking institutions.

6.2.6 To Design and facilitate appropriate ICT training programs geared towards developing e-commerce competence at both business and technical levels.

6.2.7 To Devise strategies and policies to ensure retention of skilled business and ICT personnel in the local labor force

6.2.8 To encourage Internet and e-commerce activities to support tourism industry in the country to provide easy access to information to the potential tourists regarding lower prices, personalized travel advice to make their own travel arrangements and bookings.

6.2.9 To engage business organizations and civil society in proliferation of ICT in the Trade and Commerce sector.

6.3 Challenges

6.3.1 Implementing the necessary process of reforms in the way the government interact with entrepreneurs and the creation of potential investment opportunities.

6.3.2 Understanding the need and the role of the SMMEs in the growth of country’s economy and to support them from that perspective.

6.3.3 Building a strong and steady in-country workforce skilled in deployment and use of ICTs in business.

6.3.4 Reconciling and updating of the existing legal and regulatory provisions governing business operation in the country addressing issues such as

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security of transactions, customer privacy, protecting intellectual property, and collecting appropriate taxation on goods and services.

6.3.5 Embracing the changes brought about by ICT in the operations of trade and commerce redefining rules, recasting careers, and reengineering entire business procedures.

6.3.6 Transforming Tourism sub-sector as a major profitable industry utilizing ICT that can enhance the efficiency of service delivery and transactions as well as providing opportunities to provide access to a wider clientele worldwide.

6.3.7 Lack of technical training opportunities for youth entrepreneurs in the business and private sector.

6.4 Policy Statements Accepting the fact that ICT have a profound effect on Trade and Commerce sector worldwide and will continue to change its structure and processes and to realize maximum benefits of ICT in this area, the government will: 6.4.1 Develop and formulate bold strategies and policy initiatives to meet the

challenges associated with the deployment and application ICTs in Trade and Commerce.

6.4.2 Launch a SMME capacity-building program on ICT for entrepreneurs 6.4.3 Initiate appropriate human resource development program targeting the

emerging need for skilled hands in ICT for sustaining a potential ICT led business sector in the country.

6.4.4 Promote the development and expansion of local ICT industries 6.4.5 Develop a national framework and appropriate structure for e-commerce. 6.4.6 Enact supporting legislative acts dealing with electronic transactions, security

and public data protection 6.4.7 Develop partnership modalities between government and the private sector in

developing and exploiting the global and national information infrastructure to identify new ways of addressing the challenges they face in employing ICT.

7. e-GOVERNMENT 7.1. General Objectives

7.1.1 To implement a long-term sustainable e-government strategy developed for the country13.

13 The Gambia e-Government Strategy Paper (2004) developed with assistance from the ECA and adopted by the cabinet.

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7.1.2 To build ICT capacity, establish ICT education and training center for civil servants at all levels,

7.1.3 To put in place reliable channels of communication using ICT at the disposal of citizens to provide information services

7.1.4 To introduce systemic changes in the way government offices function to reduce uncertainty among population particularly the women, youths and entrepreneurs and the marginalized groups living in rural areas.

7.1.5 To create an awareness in the society about the duties and responsibilities of each one of the stakeholders towards an emerging information society.

7.1.6 To establish a public-private partnership to provide an effective mechanism for implementing the National e-Government Strategy.

7.1.7 To encourage use of ICT in public administration and governance in order to improve government’s effectiveness providing the citizens with equitable access to information and facilitate their greater participation in the democratic process.

7.2 Challenges

Limited access to ICT education and limited number of ICT institutions and programs. Lack of motivation for ICT personnel in the public sector. Limited deployment of modern ICT tools and applications to cater for the required services at all level Lack of improved government information services delivery mechanism for awareness of citizens on how governments function and easy access to government services Limited collaboration among stakeholders in implementing e-Government program. Lack of adequate infrastructure and human capital to sustain the e-Government programs Need for transparency and accountability in the dispensation of public services, resources and duties. More effective civic education and sensitization in other sectors of economic development Low incentives to the private sector for providing ICT services to the Community. Lack of a common technology platform to support an integrated process where end-to-end processes can be executed and completed electronically. Inadequate financing for e-government initiatives Resistance to e-government by some agencies in the deployment of e-government applications fearing high overhaul costs for changing to new systems, training and retraining costs of ICT personnel and a perception that benefits are not worth that heavy initial investment.

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Policy Statements Understanding the emerging role of ICT in governance and efficient public service delivery, the government will: 7.3.1 Implement the National e-Government Strategy adopted by the cabinet in a time

bound manner. 7.3.2 Provide electronic access to its services to the citizens who should be able to

access services from home, school, office, libraries, public electronic kiosks, and Community Multimedia Telecentres.

7.3.3 Appoint an apex agency responsible for implementing e-government initiatives to forestall departmental intransigence and proprietary implementation. This agency will have the authority to ensure that agreed upon approaches and standards are followed and report to the highest levels in the government i.e., the office of the President.

7.3.4 Establish a coordinating platform under the apex agency in the form of an e-Government Directorate to synchronize systems maintained by different government agencies, NGOs, industries, communities and individuals through deploying standards of hardware and software, methods of storage, retrieval, and sharing of data, approach for migrating records to different media, common applications for inter-agency program planning, project management, budgeting, and inventory management based on open systems principles.

7.3.5 Motivate public and private sector organizations to work cooperatively with communities and civil society organizations in providing community based network services that can be effectively implemented to stimulate private investment in infrastructure provision.

7.3.6 Provide tax and fiscal incentives to encourage indigenous software enterprises engaged in e-government activities such as content development and local language support.

7.3.7 Reduce customs duties and sales taxes on software and hardware components to promote the participation of small and medium scale entrepreneurs in e-government initiatives.

7.3.8 Establish a coordinating platform under the apex body to synchronize systems maintained by different government agencies, NGOs, industries, communities and individuals through deploying standards of hardware and software, methods of storage, retrieval, and sharing of data, approach for migrating records to different media, common applications for inter-agency program planning, project management, budgeting, and inventory management based on open systems principles.

7.3.9 Enact strong privacy and security legislation essential to build citizens’ confidence in electronic systems.

7.3.10 Provide suitable training is required both for public servants, communities and citizens in general on using e-government applications.

7.3.11 Institute effective electronic record management policies and procedures in all departments and agencies.

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8. AGRICULTURE 8.1 General Objectives

8.1.1 Achieve national food self sufficiency and security 8.1.2 Diversification of the production base for food and export crops 8.1.3 Increase production for export and foreign trade 8.1.4 Create employment and income generation opportunities 8.1.5 Organize capacity building programmes for the rural poor 8.1.6 Reduce disparities between rural/urban, women/men 8.1.7 Create a link between agriculture and other sectors 8.1.8 Curb rural urban drift 8.1.9 Conserve bio-diversity and environment.

8.2 Specific Objectives

8.2.1 Delivery of strategic information to farmers, government authorities and other players

8.2.2 Development of a national strategy that incorporates the use of ICT as a link between agriculture and trade.

8.2.3 Use of ICT to expose local products to larger international markets leading to improvements in the quality of traditional and non-traditional products for exports.

8.2.4 Access to the emerging global electronic markets as an agent of economic development in the agriculture sector providing the farmers an opportunity to market their products globally, and get online access to market-oriented information.

8.2.5 Use of ICT for research and effective management of natural resources. 8.2.6 Use of ICT to facilitate collaboration, networking and information

dissemination/sharing on strategies and good practices in the agriculture at regional and international level between Government, industry and academia.

8.2.7 Use ICT to support agricultural research, training and production as well as improving indigenous knowledge.

8.3 Challenges

8.3.1 Resistance to potential change that ICT can bring in the approach and functioning of the agricultural sector.

8.3.2 Lack of functional literacy present a barrier to the widespread adoption of ICT in agriculture.

8.3.3 Creating adequate networks systems to manage agricultural information. 8.3.4 Create enough market information on agricultural produce

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8.3.5 Lack of a countrywide agricultural communications. 8.3.6 Farmers’ Access to ICT technology is restricted by factors such as high

cost of equipment, and lack of enabling telecommunications infrastructure.

8.3.7 Inadequate information on input supply ( seeds, fertilizers, credit etc). 8.3.8 Limited Value-added facilities for agro-processing using ICT agro-

industry system. 8.4 Policy Statements Understanding that Agriculture accounts for a significant proportion of the local economy, and its impact on the economic, social and political conditions, the government seeks to adopt a developmental perspective that incorporates the use of ICT in the sector. To achieve that objective, the government will:

8.4.1 Create an integrated agriculture information system to facilitate the efficient processing, management, and dissemination of data and information to meet the information needs of the farmers across the country.

8.4.2 Invest in countrywide agricultural communication facilities to create access to ICT by farmers through establishment of rural multimedia centers and launching of special online agriculture portals to facilitate information brokerage.

8.4.3 Establish a central “e-market”, based on product intelligence received from local farmers’ markets, food processors to support the domestic agriculture market, and also help in establishing the presence of the country’s agricultural products on global markets.

8.4.4 Agriculture and natural resources management covering areas such as food chain, agricultural markets, early warning, geographic information systems, preservation of natural resources.

8.4.5 Develop appropriate training programs to educate farmers on use of ICT in agriculture, and keep them updated on the latest developments relevant to their use.

8.4.6 Establish an input supply information systems (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, etc) 9. GENDER 9.1 Objectives

9.1.1 To set up Internet Cafe, throughout the country. 9.1.2 To ensure the dissemination of the National Women's Policy on the

Advancement of Gambian Women, to the public through a website.

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9.1.3 To set up a Website so that will enhance access to information on Gender Issues.

9.1.4 To ensure that all media programmes that are gender related are frequently reviewed and updated to fill any Information gap.

9.1.5 To ensure that the developed Website will contain information on the role of the Women’s Bureau and Council, and its linkages with National and International Institutions and NGOs.

9.2 Specific Objectives

9.2.1 To make ICT accessible and affordable to all Gambian Women. 9.2.2 To make ICT User-friendly for the grassroots women, especially for those

who are illiterates. 9.2.3 To train grassroots women, especially the National Women's Councilors,

who are engaged in development, to operate the ICT equipment. 9.2.4 To develop a Website that will facilitate marketing of Agriculture

Produce and project activities of women. 9.2.5 To encourage all women organizations in The Gambia to establish a

Website. 9.2.6 Create a favorable climate for industry business and investment to adopt

ICT solution. 9.2.7 Raise the level of awareness on the role, use, application and potential of

ICT in Gender empowerment. 9.2.8 Establish ICT training centers at local level to train women entrepreneurs

in the use ICT. 9.2.9 Use ICT applications for sensitization and information sharing on issues

of particular relevance La reproductive health, HIVI AIDS and STI. 9.2.10 Consider and integrate use of ICT In mainstreaming gender and policies

9.3 Challenges

9.3.1 Availability of resources (Human, material and finance) 9.3.2 The low level of literacy among women, especially at the grassroots,

requires that literacy and numeric skills be developed initially before training them on ICT.

9.3.3 The high cost involved. 9.3.4 Maintenance of the equipment 9.3.5 Availability of electricity, especially in the rural areas. 9.3.6 More improvement in the road network.

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9.4 Policy Statements To ensure full participation of the Gambian Women in the emerging information society and all ICT led initiatives in the country as well to seek their greater contribution towards country’s socio-economic development, the government shall:

9.4.1 Ensure availability of resources in time-bound and planned manner. 9.4.2 Emphasize gender-sensitiveness in all its e-Government /ICT

Programmes. 9.4.3 Take all steps necessary to enhance the participation of Gambian women

in IT. 9.4.4 Create Rural Multimedia centers for women. 9.4.5 Ensure that the economically empowered women would afford good

health care, for herself and the family; the best education for her children, good shelter, food self- sufficiency and security.

10. MEDIA 10.1 General Objectives

10.1.1 To place media in a pivotal role for information dissemination in spreading mass awareness about the importance and advantages of the information revolution.

10.1.2 To use traditional media like Newspapers, Radio and Television to provide an easy, accessible and cheap means of carrying information to people without any aversion to modern ICT like Internet

10.1.3 To use media as an access point to many of the emerging sources of information and provide broad channels of communications to the poor and to remote areas.

10.2 Specific Objectives

10.2.1 To promote of a conducive environment for media pluralism that enhances cultural identity and diversity.

10.2.2 To ensure a nationwide media coverage through three tiers of broadcasting.

10.2.3 To encourage private sector participation in all forms of media. 10.2.4 To encourage and promote the impartiality, independence, freedom and

professionalism of the print and electronic media as a reliable source of information presenting divergent views.

10.2.5 To encourage establishment of community multimedia centers which will also include the traditional ICT like Radio.

10.2.6 To encourage the establishment of professional associations, ethics, technical standards and code of conduct by media practitioners.

10.2.7 Develop effective and transparent use of national radio frequencies 10.2.8 Provide capacity building for media practitioners

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10.3 Challenges in Media Sector

10.3.1 Inadequate financial resources. 10.3.2 Political interference in the media. 10.3.3 Insufficient human resources development and training. 10.3.4 Lack of trained media practitioners in the country. 10.3.5 Private sector less interested in public TV broadcast. 10.3.6 Inadequate trained human resources on legal issues relating to ICT.

10.4 Policy Statements In order to achieve the set objectives for the media sector, the government will:

10.4.1 Encourage the development of domestic legislation that takes into account International Ratified Instruments that guarantees the independence and plurality of the media.

10.4.2 Promote balanced and diverse portrayals of women and Youth 10.4.3 Encourage traditional media to bridge the knowledge divide and to

facilitate the flow of cultural content, particularly in rural areas. 10.4.4 Manage radio frequency spectrum in the public interest and in

accordance with principle of legality, with full observance of national laws and regulation as well as relevant international agreements.

10.4.5 Encourage diversity of media ownership in conformity with national law, and taking into account relevant international conventions.

10.4.6 Encourage a diverse, independent private broadcasting sector. 10.4.7 Encourage private and community broadcasting in accordance with the

following principles:

i. There shall be equitable allocation of frequencies between private broadcasting uses, both commercial and community;

ii. An independent regulatory body shall be responsible for issuing broadcasting licences and for ensuring observance of licence conditions;

iii. Licensing processes shall be fair and transparent, and shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting; and

iv. Community broadcasting shall be promoted given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities to the airwaves.

10.4.8 State and government controlled broadcasters should be transformed

into public service broadcasters, accountable to the public through the legislature rather than the government, in accordance with the following principles:

i. Public broadcasters should be governed by a board which is

protected against interference, particularly of a political or economic nature;

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ii. The editorial independence of public service broadcasters should be guaranteed;

iii. Public broadcasters should be adequately funded in a manner that protects them from arbitrary interference with their budgets;

iv. Public broadcasters should strive to ensure that their transmission system covers the whole territory of the country; and

v. The public service ambit of public broadcasters should be clearly defined and include an obligation to ensure that the public receives adequate, politically balanced information, particularly during election periods.

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THE GAMBIA NICI PLAN & POLICIES

DRAFT ACTION PLAN FOR 2005 – 2010 & 2001-2015

IMPORTANT NOTE:

THIS IS A TENETATIVE / INDICATIVE DRAFT ACTION PLAN AS PRESENTED BY PARTICIPANTS AT THE CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP HELD IN BANJUL, 29 NOV TO 1st DEC 2004. ALL STAKEHOKDERS ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO INDICATE ANY OTHER

ACTIVITIES / ACTION ITEMS ITO BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL PLAN TO BE VALIDATED AFTER A MONTH OF THE PUBLICATION OF THIS DRAFT (Tentatively by Feb 1st Week / 2005)

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The Gambia

National Information & Communication Infrastructure (NICI) Policy

ACTION PLAN FOR 20005- 2001014

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLARS : INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGULATORY ISSUES

July/2005 a. Formulation of 5 Year Infrastructure Master Plan for ICT in the Country in collaboration with all the stakeholders taking into account all regional and international initiatives in this context

a. PURA b. DOSCIT c. Stakeholders / Civil Society a. ITAG

Adoption of 5 Yr ICT Master Plan

July / 2005 b. Setting up of the National ICT Commission a. President’s Office a. NICTC Dec/2005 c. Enactment of supporting legislations to empower the

regulator (PURA) in consolidating its statutory functions b. DOSCIT c. DOSJ d. PURA

b. Enactment of relevant laws/acts.

Dec/2005 d. Institutionalization of the regulator with necessary personnel and funds to make it fully functional

b. PURA c. DOSFEA d. PRESOFF

c. Fully operational stage of PURA

Jan/2006 e. Initiate the advocacy programs of the regulatory agency including facilitating the formation of Consumer Forum in various utility areas in collaboration with the civil society.

a. PURA b. DOSCIT c. Stakeholders d. Civil Society

No of Consumer Societies Formed

Dec/2006 f. Capacity building measures/programs in line ministries in the development of sectoral ICT Plans and Strategies following the NICI.

a. Line Ministries b. DOSCIT c. PURA

Sectoral ICT Plans and Strategies

14 This action plan was developed from the input of the sectoral participants at the NICI Workshop held in Banjul on 29 Nov to 1 Dec, 2004.

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NOTE: The rest of the activities under the pillar: Infrastructure and Regulatory Issues will emerge from the proposed 5 Years ICT Master Plan. Policy Statements In order to provide appropriate transparent, legal and regulatory environment for the development, expansion and application of ICT in all spheres of governance and socio-economic activities in the country, the government will:

Liberalize the telecommunications sector by opening up markets for competition to make the telecommunications services market lucrative for private investors. Endeavour to formulate common regulatory policies in cooperation with other countries in the region to increase domestic demand and enhance export opportunities. Adopt technology neutral policies as a means of attracting more investments. Adjust imbalances in traffic and tariff through fair policies on the interconnection between different network providers and operators such as mobile and public switched networks.

Moreover, in formulating regulatory policies the government will consider the following key issues:

Thresholds of foreign equity participation Limits on the number of licenses Criteria for granting licenses such as applicant’s financial and technical capacity Licensing fees and processing times Opportunity for extending the scope of services covered under existing licenses Type of networking technologies (wireless, fixed line or satellite communication systems) to be adopted Auction spectrum licenses for 3G mobile network operators to attract domestic and foreign investment.

The present nomenclature of Department of State for Communication, Information and Technology (DOSCIT) appears to be ambiguous in its scope and it should be preferably renamed as Department of State for Information and Communication Technologies (DOSICT) to reflect its exact role and scope of its mandate in ICT related activities in the country.

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3. LOCAL GOVERNMENT 3.1 General Objectives The Local Governments Act 2002 of The Gambia is a Political and Legislative framework for decentralisation. Within the scope of this act are the major objectives of the sector are outlined as follows:

3.1.1 Empowerment of Local Government Authorities to assume Decentralised responsibilities. 3.1.2 To draw up an Action Plan for Decentralisation and Local Government Reforms. 3.1.3 Implementation of a Program of support to Divisional-Level LGAs. 3.1.4 Devolution of responsibilities to Democratically Elected Councils and Community Structures.

3.2 Specific Objectives

3.2.1 Empower and facilitate the participation of rural communities in the decentralization process through use of ICT in order to extend the process of decentralization to grassroots and develop an integrated approach to development.

3.2.2 Facilitate the flow and management of information to enhance good governance through decentralization. 3.2.3 Empowerment of rural women in using ICTs towards the attainment of the objectives of Beijing+10

3.3 Challenges

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3.4.1 Low level of ICT knowledge in the rural areas 3.4.2 High cost of ICT equipment 3.4.3 Cultural inhibitions against using ICT 3.4.4 Inadequate power supply in rural areas 3.4.5 Adequate access to ICT facilities at community level 3.4.6 Lack of ICT infrastructure to facilitate easy flow of information at the local government level. 3.4.7 High cost of electricity in rural area where available 3.4.8 Sustainability of ICT infrastructure at local level 3.4.9 Limited budgetary allocation to finance ICT equipment and services at the local government offices. 3.4.10 Lack of sufficient coverage on issues affecting peoples

3.5 Policy Statements The use of ICT in local government sector and in public administration, is gaining momentum. This combined with organisational change and new skills in local government institutions will improve public services and democratic processes and strengthen support to public policies, increase accountability and productivity. As such, recognising the fact that use of ICT at the local government involves the electronic delivery of services that reduces the cost of internal operations of a government as well as its interactions with communities and citizens, the government will: 3.5.1 Initiate radical re-engineering of administrative processes to facilitate government-citizen interaction through use of ICT. 3.5.2 Ensure that country wide courage in terms of available ICT infrastructure is put in place to increase Tele-density from the current

6% urban and 1 % Rural to 20% towards vision 2020 target and the same time increase the computer density at all levels. 3.5.3 Entice the private sector to participate in financing ICT project and programs in rural areas to support local government

administrations. 3.5.6 Increase access to information and lower transaction costs for citizens in the rural areas through proper information management

systems at the local government level should with the application of ICT

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3.5.7 Establish tactical advisory committees at the central and local government levels in order to facilitate the functioning of effective service delivery mechanism through ICT.

3.5.8 Will seek to discourage inappropriate use of ICT that is detrimental to country’s cultural values, ethics, norms and traditional values.

3.5.9 Promotion and incorporation of ICT structures in CDD (Community Driven Development) activities. 3.5.10 Creation of documentation centres where a variety of information on ICT can be made available 4. EDUCATION 4.1 General Objective

4.1.1 Reduce illiteracy and universal primary education by 2015. 4.1.2 Increase in access to education for women. 4.1.3 Gender equity (in areas, enrollment and hiring). 4.1.4 Capacity building for teachers and administrators. 4.1.5 Decrease dropout rate. 4.1.6 Providing resources for vocational training through relevant curriculum (consistent training materials) 4.1.7 Provision of a standard quality education and improvement of teacher quality 4.1.8 Apply ICT for capacity development and empowerment of young men and women.

4.2 Specific Objectives

4.2.1 Better management (effective & efficient) through ICT by providing an integrated system to meet the needs of employees for

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more effective monitoring and management of the education system leading to overall cost savings through timely and efficient decision making.

4.2.2 Promotion of computer and information literacy and creation of an ICT culture. 4.2.3 Plan ICT human resource development to sustain the ICT led initiatives in the country. 4.2.4 Provision of necessary ICT resources (hardware, software and applications) to ensure efficient and effective administration

of the sector. 4.2.5 Strategic and rewarding partnerships, nationally and internationally, with a view to involving more private sector

participation in ICT creating job opportunities for companies and individuals to provide technical support and instructional software development.

4.2.6 Cost effective use of ICT extending the facilities to rural areas with provision of safe internet access to all schools (secondary etc) to provide adult education and computer literacy classes on evenings, weekends, and during school vacation.

4.2.7 Utilization of ICT for Distance and Open Learning to strengthen educational capacity, and also to provide equitable access to limited resources, especially in remote areas by facilitating online courses and e-learning in order to supplement for the shortfalls in higher education and professional training institutions.

4.2.8 Introduction of compulsory ICT training for all teachers and students by 2011. 4.2.9 Maintaining consistent Standards in ICT education curriculum offered by various institutions in the country. 4.2.10 Creation of research facilities by linking schools, libraries, resource centers and research facilities locally and internationally.

4.3. Challenges

4.3.1 Lack of ICT expertise among education administrators and teachers. 4.3.2 Under utilization of available ICT Resources

4.3.2 Lack of technical staff and maintenance resources for ICT equipment. 4.3.3 under utilization/neglect of older/traditional technologies (e.g. TV Radio, CD-ROMs) for educational purposes 4.3.4 High cost of ICT equipment and Internet facilities for existing school budgets.

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4.3.5 Limited budget allocations for sustaining the initial investments in ICT through maintenance and upgrading resulting in breakdown of equipment.

4.3.6 Budgetary/funding constraints for professional development of teachers in ICT knowledge and skills. 4.3.7 Disparity in access to ICT between urban and rural institutions. 4.3.8 Staff attrition due to low salaries coupled with poor working conditions make the teaching profession unattractive to trained

IT personnel, who are in great demand elsewhere in industry 4.3.9 Bureaucratic obstacles and an overall resistance to change in the system. 4.3.10 Assessment, certification and standardization of ICT courses offered by diverse institution in public and private sector. 4.3.11 Lack of funding from Government on ICT under National Youth Policy coupled with lack of effective and proper

monitoring and evaluation of youth programmes countrywide. 4.3.12 Lack of support from local Authority to Divisional/ Municipal Youth committees and other Civil society organizations e.g.

NAYCO.

4.4 Policy Statements The Department of State for Education recognises the importance of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as essential tools to facilitate effective and efficient management of the sector for delivery of equitable, cost effective, relevant, affordable and sustainable quality education. However, it is aware of the thereat that introduction of ICTs in some schools may lead to another digital divide between schools who have access to resources, and those who do not. Keeping the opportunities and threats of using ICT, the government declares that/is of the view that:

4.4.1 The fundamental role of ICT will be for the improvement of teaching and learning methods as well as the general effectiveness management in schools and other formal and non-formal education institutions and settings.

4.4.2 A comprehensive ICT Policy for Education and Master Plan will be put in place resolving among other things I. How to provide personnel and funding for introducing and sustaining ICTs in all levels/sections of the system.

II. How to provide hardware in a cost effective manner, targeted student-computer rations, the configuration and placement of ICT facilities and technical support for students and teachers.

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III. How to build up a stock of software and provide its creative application in teaching and learning IV. How to enable teachers, i.e. provide then with proper ICT training, computer facilities as well as professional support. V. How to adapt the school curriculum accordingly

VI. How to provide the necessary network infrastructure for teachers and student to have access to knowledge and share information

VII. How to appoint additional staff to support ICT facilities. VIII. How to exploit Open and Distance Learning to enhance ICT in education across the country to fill the gap in IT Human

Resources and trained teachers. IX. How to encourage research and development in ICT activities in education. X. How to apply ICT in the general management and administration of the education sector linking it to other Government

Departments. XI Delivery and communication of information shall be timely and relevant from the recipient's perspective. XII Procedures will be developed regarding copying and the communication of copyright of educational materials. XIII Parents and civil society shall be made a partner in evolving the new changes that are taking place in the education system

through the use of ICT. XIV Adequate resources will be allocated to implement the DOSE ICT Policy in a time bound manner. XV A Mechanism will be established for staff motivation and retention in ICT education.

1. Health General Objectives

5.1.1 Delivery of quality health services 5.1.2 Decrease maternal mortality

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5.1.3 Decrease infant mortality 5.1.4 Universal access to basic health services 5.1.5 Safe water and sanitation 5.1.6 Reduction in malnourished 5.1.7 Increase awareness of STI/HIV & AIDS

Specific Objectives

Provision of DoSH&SW WAN Substantial reduction in malnutrition among children

Provide health information to all stakeholders (via ICT Web site etc) ICT training for all DOSH&SW health personnel staff ( using ICT) Create documentation centre in each division Provision of Internet Access to all health centres (Need NAWEC) Provision of health care through telemedicine Computerised record management (birth & death) Provide distance learning through ICT (for health professionals) Provide centre point management i.e one-stop-shop for provision of health information service. Provide effective management of ICT resource Provide consistent ICT standard (and enforcement) Provide effective power supply for health facilities, DHTs & Central offices (ICT installation) Provide effective maintenance of ICT equipment & support Provide effective monitoring and evaluation system for ICT (including auditing) Provide effective security and privacy of medical records Apply ICT for capacity development and empowerment of young men and women

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Challenges

Staff attrition Inadequate government funds (inadequate allocations) Inadequate ICT infrastructure and power supply Insufficient ICT expertise and qualified personnel for providing medical information on the web with access to correct information, and suitability to specific areas, quality of content and adaptation to local/individual needs. Data security threats from sharing vital health-care information of individuals and giving access to medical records using applications over open networks such as the Internet.

5.4 Policy Statements To realize benefits of ICT in health sector, The Gambia will draw from the experiences of different countries in this area specifically referring to three main applications of ICT in the health sector – clinical, administrative and educational15. Towards this goal the government will

5.4.1. Connect Health Care Centers/Hospitals in rural areas to be networked with the nearest major health care centers in urban areas by means of message transmission systems (text, audio and video), thus allowing cooperation and collaboration between institutions.

5.4.2. Support use of ICT to spread the reach of scarce resources across wide geographic areas through the use of audio and video transmission systems.

5.4.3. Encourage content development in the sector to reduce inconsistencies in data sharing and medical terminologies by enhancing quality of information specific to different fields of medicine and clinical treatment through Meta search engines and databases such as Pubmed.

15 Recommendations of the World Telemedicine Symposium for Developing Countries organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

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5.4.4. Provide a web-based portal for dissemination of Epidemiological information on diseases such as STI/HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria linked with existing clinical and medical databases for prevention and diagnostic purposes.

5.4.5. Facilitate Research through the use of ICTs to explore ways of disseminating genetic information within existing clinical systems to help diagnosis, treatment and development of cost-effective drugs.

5.4.6. Promote closer relation and Collaborate with private entrepreneurs and regional initiatives in health sector. 5.4.7. Establish mechanism for staff motivation and retention of health staff within DOSH&SW. 5.4.8. Provide adequate budget to sustain ICT initiatives in health (e.g. HMIS).

6. TRADE AND COMMERCE 6.1 General Objective

6.1.1 To achieve a solid infrastructure base for industrial development that would permit the processing of all primary products by the year 2020 (Ref: Vision 2020).

6.1.2 Raise the contribution of the industrial sector to 25-30 per cent by the year 2020 through focusing on the manufacturing sub-sector.

6.1.3 Develop of a foreign investment driven 'export sector by designing a special incentive package for export oriented investment and ensuring the smooth functioning of a one-step investment service

6.1.4 Develop domestic primary resource based industrial sector driven by both foreign and local investment comprising small medium and large enterprises and catering for export as well as domestic demand.

6.1.5 Establishment of free economic zones and special industrial zone, which will benefit from specials regimes to be established under a Free Zone Authority.

6.1.6 Use the country's competitive advantage to expand and strengthen the service sector in the West African region. 6.2 Specific Objectives

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6.2.1 To facilitate the necessary enabling environment through rapid planning, deployment and exploitation of ICT infrastructure

to support the country’s goal of industrial development and growth in service sector. 6.2.2 To initiate a process reform in the governments interaction with the business sector by introducing supporting framework

for functioning of the regulatory organs. 6.2.3 To develop virtual operating companies and e-merchants accounts. 6.2.4 To provide incentives to stimulate private sector through measures like Tax Holidays for indigenous ICT companies and

provision of trade and investment information can attract more investments and multinational collaboration To facilitate funding of pilot projects from sources such as government financial institutions and supported venture capitalists.

6.2.5 To facilitate the immediate launching on e-banking and electronic payment system in the country in collaboration with the banking institutions.

6.2.6 To Design and facilitate appropriate ICT training programs geared towards developing e-commerce competence at both business and technical levels.

6.2.7 To Devise strategies and policies to ensure retention of skilled business and ICT personnel in the local labor force 6.2.8 To encourage Internet and e-commerce activities to support tourism industry in the country to provide easy access to

information to the potential tourists regarding lower prices, personalized travel advice to make their own travel arrangements and bookings.

6.2.9 To engage business organizations and civil society in proliferation of ICT in the Trade and Commerce sector. 6.3 Challenges

6.3.1 Implementing the necessary process of reforms in the way the government interact with entrepreneurs and the creation of potential investment opportunities.

6.3.2 Understanding the need and the role of the SMMEs in the growth of country’s economy and to support them from that perspective.

6.3.3 Building a strong and steady in-country workforce skilled in deployment and use of ICTs in business.

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6.3.4 Reconciling and updating of the existing legal and regulatory provisions governing business operation in the country addressing issues such as security of transactions, customer privacy, protecting intellectual property, and collecting appropriate taxation on goods and services.

6.3.5 Embracing the changes brought about by ICT in the operations of trade and commerce redefining rules, recasting careers, and reengineering entire business procedures.

6.3.6 Transforming Tourism sub-sector as a major profitable industry utilizing ICT that can enhance the efficiency of service delivery and transactions as well as providing opportunities to provide access to a wider clientele worldwide.

6.3.7 Lack of technical training opportunities for youth entrepreneurs in the business and private sector. 6.4 Policy Statements Accepting the fact that ICT have a profound effect on Trade and Commerce sector worldwide and will continue to change its structure and processes and to realize maximum benefits of ICT in this area, the government will: 6.4.1 Develop and formulate bold strategies and policy initiatives to meet the challenges associated with the deployment and application

ICTs in Trade and Commerce. 6.4.2 Launch a SMME capacity-building program on ICT for entrepreneurs 6.4.3 Initiate appropriate human resource development program targeting the emerging need for skilled hands in ICT for sustaining a

potential ICT led business sector in the country. 6.4.4 Promote the development and expansion of local ICT industries 6.4.5 Develop a national framework and appropriate structure for e-commerce. 6.4.6 Enact supporting legislative acts dealing with electronic transactions, security and public data protection 6.4.7 Develop partnership modalities between government and the private sector in developing and exploiting the global and national

information infrastructure to identify new ways of addressing the challenges they face in employing ICT.

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7. e-GOVERNMENT 7.1. General Objectives

7.1.1 To implement a long-term sustainable e-government strategy developed for the country16. 7.1.2 To build ICT capacity, establish ICT education and training center for civil servants at all levels, 7.1.3 To put in place reliable channels of communication using ICT at the disposal of citizens to provide information services 7.1.4 To introduce systemic changes in the way government offices function to reduce uncertainty among population particularly

the women, youths and entrepreneurs and the marginalized groups living in rural areas. 7.1.5 To create an awareness in the society about the duties and responsibilities of each one of the stakeholders towards an

emerging information society. 7.1.6 To establish a public-private partnership to provide an effective mechanism for implementing the National e-Government

Strategy. 7.1.7 To encourage use of ICT in public administration and governance in order to improve government’s effectiveness providing

the citizens with equitable access to information and facilitate their greater participation in the democratic process. 7.2 Challenges

Limited access to ICT education and limited number of ICT institutions and programs. Lack of motivation for ICT personnel in the public sector. Limited deployment of modern ICT tools and applications to cater for the required services at all level Lack of improved government information services delivery mechanism for awareness of citizens on how governments function and easy access to government services Limited collaboration among stakeholders in implementing e-Government program.

16 The Gambia e-Government Strategy Paper (2004) developed with assistance from the ECA and adopted by the cabinet.

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Lack of adequate infrastructure and human capital to sustain the e-Government programs Need for transparency and accountability in the dispensation of public services, resources and duties. More effective civic education and sensitization in other sectors of economic development Low incentives to the private sector for providing ICT services to the Community. Lack of a common technology platform to support an integrated process where end-to-end processes can be executed and completed electronically. Inadequate financing for e-government initiatives Resistance to e-government by some agencies in the deployment of e-government applications fearing high overhaul costs for changing to new systems, training and retraining costs of ICT personnel and a perception that benefits are not worth that heavy initial investment.

Policy Statements Understanding the emerging role of ICT in governance and efficient public service delivery, the government will: 7.3.1 Implement the National e-Government Strategy adopted by the cabinet in a time bound manner. 7.3.2 Provide electronic access to its services to the citizens who should be able to access services from home, school, office, libraries,

public electronic kiosks, and Community Multimedia Telecentres. 7.3.3 Appoint an apex agency responsible for implementing e-government initiatives to forestall departmental intransigence and proprietary

implementation. This agency will have the authority to ensure that agreed upon approaches and standards are followed and report to the highest levels in the government i.e., the office of the President.

7.3.4 Establish a coordinating platform under the apex agency in the form of an e-Government Directorate to synchronize systems maintained by different government agencies, NGOs, industries, communities and individuals through deploying standards of hardware and software, methods of storage, retrieval, and sharing of data, approach for migrating records to different media, common applications for inter-agency program planning, project management, budgeting, and inventory management based on open systems principles.

7.3.5 Motivate public and private sector organizations to work cooperatively with communities and civil society organizations in providing community based network services that can be effectively implemented to stimulate private investment in infrastructure provision.

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7.3.6 Provide tax and fiscal incentives to encourage indigenous software enterprises engaged in e-government activities such as content development and local language support.

7.3.7 Reduce customs duties and sales taxes on software and hardware components to promote the participation of small and medium scale entrepreneurs in e-government initiatives.

7.3.8 Establish a coordinating platform under the apex body to synchronize systems maintained by different government agencies, NGOs, industries, communities and individuals through deploying standards of hardware and software, methods of storage, retrieval, and sharing of data, approach for migrating records to different media, common applications for inter-agency program planning, project management, budgeting, and inventory management based on open systems principles.

7.3.9 Enact strong privacy and security legislation essential to build citizens’ confidence in electronic systems. 7.3.10 Provide suitable training is required both for public servants, communities and citizens in general on using e-government applications. 7.3.11 Institute effective electronic record management policies and procedures in all departments and agencies. 8. AGRICULTURE 8.1 General Objectives

8.1.1 Achieve national food self sufficiency and security 8.1.2 Diversification of the production base for food and export crops 8.1.3 Increase production for export and foreign trade 8.1.4 Create employment and income generation opportunities 8.1.5 Organize capacity building programmes for the rural poor 8.1.6 Reduce disparities between rural/urban, women/men 8.1.7 Create a link between agriculture and other sectors 8.1.8 Curb rural urban drift 8.1.9 Conserve bio-diversity and environment.

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8.2 Specific Objectives

8.2.1 Delivery of strategic information to farmers, government authorities and other players 8.2.2 Development of a national strategy that incorporates the use of ICT as a link between agriculture and trade. 8.2.3 Use of ICT to expose local products to larger international markets leading to improvements in the quality of traditional and

non-traditional products for exports. 8.2.4 Access to the emerging global electronic markets as an agent of economic development in the agriculture sector providing

the farmers an opportunity to market their products globally, and get online access to market-oriented information. 8.2.5 Use of ICT for research and effective management of natural resources. 8.2.6 Use of ICT to facilitate collaboration, networking and information dissemination/sharing on strategies and good practices in

the agriculture at regional and international level between Government, industry and academia. 8.2.7 Use ICT to support agricultural research, training and production as well as improving indigenous knowledge.

8.3 Challenges

8.4.1 Resistance to potential change that ICT can bring in the approach and functioning of the agricultural sector. 8.4.2 Lack of functional literacy present a barrier to the widespread adoption of ICT in agriculture. 8.4.3 Creating adequate networks systems to manage agricultural information. 8.4.4 Create enough market information on agricultural produce 8.4.5 Lack of a countrywide agricultural communications. 8.4.6 Farmers’ Access to ICT technology is restricted by factors such as high cost of equipment, and lack of enabling

telecommunications infrastructure. 8.4.7 Inadequate information on input supply ( seeds, fertilizers, credit etc). 8.4.8 Limited Value-added facilities for agro-processing using ICT agro-industry system.

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8.5 Policy Statements Understanding that Agriculture accounts for a significant proportion of the local economy, and its impact on the economic, social and political conditions, the government seeks to adopt a developmental perspective that incorporates the use of ICT in the sector. To achieve that objective, the government will:

8.5.1 Create an integrated agriculture information system to facilitate the efficient processing, management, and dissemination of data and information to meet the information needs of the farmers across the country.

8.5.2 Invest in countrywide agricultural communication facilities to create access to ICT by farmers through establishment of rural multimedia centers and launching of special online agriculture portals to facilitate information brokerage.

8.5.3 Establish a central “e-market”, based on product intelligence received from local farmers’ markets, food processors to support the domestic agriculture market, and also help in establishing the presence of the country’s agricultural products on global markets.

8.5.4 Agriculture and natural resources management covering areas such as food chain, agricultural markets, early warning, geographic information systems, preservation of natural resources.

8.5.5 Develop appropriate training programs to educate farmers on use of ICT in agriculture, and keep them updated on the latest developments relevant to their use.

8.5.6 Establish an input supply information systems (e.g., seeds, fertilizers, etc) 9. GENDER 9.1 Objectives

9.1.1 To set up Internet Cafe, throughout the country. 9.1.2 To ensure the dissemination of the National Women's Policy on the Advancement of Gambian Women, to the public

through a website.

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9.1.3 To set up a Website so that will enhance access to information on Gender Issues. 9.1.4 To ensure that all media programmes that are gender related are frequently reviewed and updated to fill any Information

gap. 9.1.5 To ensure that the developed Website will contain information on the role of the Women’s Bureau and Council, and its

linkages with National and International Institutions and NGOs. 9.2 Specific Objectives

9.2.1 To make ICT accessible and affordable to all Gambian Women. 9.2.2 To make ICT User-friendly for the grassroots women, especially for those who are illiterates. 9.2.3 To train grassroots women, especially the National Women's Councilors, who are engaged in development, to operate the

ICT equipment. 9.2.4 To develop a Website that will facilitate marketing of Agriculture Produce and project activities of women. 9.2.5 To encourage all women organizations in The Gambia to establish a Website. 9.2.6 Create a favorable climate for industry business and investment to adopt ICT solution. 9.2.7 Raise the level of awareness on the role, use, application and potential of ICT in Gender empowerment. 9.2.8 Establish ICT training centers at local level to train women entrepreneurs in the use ICT. 9.2.9 Use ICT applications for sensitization and information sharing on issues of particular relevance La reproductive health, HIVI

AIDS and STI. 9.2.10 Consider and integrate use of ICT In mainstreaming gender and policies

9.3 Challenges

9.3.1 Availability of resources (Human, material and finance) 9.3.2 The low level of literacy among women, especially at the grassroots, requires that literacy and numeric skills be developed

initially before training them on ICT. 9.3.3 The high cost involved.

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9.3.4 Maintenance of the equipment 9.3.5 Availability of electricity, especially in the rural areas. 9.3.6 More improvement in the road network.

9.4 Policy Statements To ensure full participation of the Gambian Women in the emerging information society and all ICT led initiatives in the country as well to seek their greater contribution towards country’s socio-economic development, the government shall:

9.4.1 Ensure availability of resources in time-bound and planned manner. 9.4.2 Emphasize gender-sensitiveness in all its e-Government /ICT Programmes. 9.4.3 Take all steps necessary to enhance the participation of Gambian women in IT. 9.4.4 Create Rural Multimedia centers for women. 9.4.5 Ensure that the economically empowered women would afford good health care, for herself and the family; the best

education for her children, good shelter, food self- sufficiency and security.

10. MEDIA 10.1 General Objectives

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10.1.1 To place media in a pivotal role for information dissemination in spreading mass awareness about the importance and advantages of the information revolution.

10.1.2 To use traditional media like Newspapers, Radio and Television to provide an easy, accessible and cheap means of carrying information to people without any aversion to modern ICT like Internet

10.1.3 To use media as an access point to many of the emerging sources of information and provide broad channels of communications to the poor and to remote areas.

10.2 Specific Objectives

10.2.1 To promote of a conducive environment for media pluralism that enhances cultural identity and diversity. 10.2.2 To ensure a nationwide media coverage through three tiers of broadcasting. 10.2.3 To encourage private sector participation in all forms of media. 10.2.4 To encourage and promote the impartiality, independence, freedom and professionalism of the print and electronic media as

a reliable source of information presenting divergent views. 10.2.5 To encourage establishment of community multimedia centers which will also include the traditional ICT like Radio. 10.2.6 To encourage the establishment of professional associations, ethics, technical standards and code of conduct by media

practitioners. 10.2.7 Develop effective and transparent use of national radio frequencies 10.2.8 Provide capacity building for media practitioners

10.3 Challenges in Media Sector

10.3.1 Inadequate financial resources. 10.3.2 Political interference in the media. 10.3.3 Insufficient human resources development and training. 10.3.4 Lack of trained media practitioners in the country. 10.3.5 Private sector less interested in public TV broadcast. 10.3.6 Inadequate trained human resources on legal issues relating to ICT.

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10.4 Policy Statements In order to achieve the set objectives for the media sector, the government will:

10.4.1 Encourage the development of domestic legislation that takes into account International Ratified Instruments that guarantees the independence and plurality of the media.

10.4.2 Promote balanced and diverse portrayals of women and Youth 10.4.3 Encourage traditional media to bridge the knowledge divide and to facilitate the flow of cultural content, particularly in

rural areas. 10.4.4 Manage radio frequency spectrum in the public interest and in accordance with principle of legality, with full observance of

national laws and regulation as well as relevant international agreements. 10.4.5 Encourage diversity of media ownership in conformity with national law, and taking into account relevant international

conventions. 10.4.6 Encourage a diverse, independent private broadcasting sector. 10.4.7 Encourage private and community broadcasting in accordance with the following principles:

i. There shall be equitable allocation of frequencies between private broadcasting uses, both commercial and community;

ii. An independent regulatory body shall be responsible for issuing broadcasting licences and for ensuring observance of licence conditions;

iii. Licensing processes shall be fair and transparent, and shall seek to promote diversity in broadcasting; and iv. Community broadcasting shall be promoted given its potential to broaden access by poor and rural communities to

the airwaves. 10.4.8 State and government controlled broadcasters should be transformed into public service broadcasters, accountable to the

public through the legislature rather than the government, in accordance with the following principles:

i. Public broadcasters should be governed by a board which is protected against interference, particularly of a political or economic nature;

ii. The editorial independence of public service broadcasters should be guaranteed;

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iii. Public broadcasters should be adequately funded in a manner that protects them from arbitrary interference with their budgets;

iv. Public broadcasters should strive to ensure that their transmission system covers the whole territory of the country; and

v. The public service ambit of public broadcasters should be clearly defined and include an obligation to ensure that the public receives adequate, politically balanced information, particularly during election periods.

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLARS: LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Dec/2005 Establish local Community Groups to participate in the provision of ICT based services in the rural areas

a. NITC

b. DOSLGL

c. NGOs

d. CSOs

Number of local Community Groups in the country

Dec/2005 Set up a facility to implement ICT based finance and audit operation following the Local Govt act 2002 in the country

a. DOSLGL

b. Accountant General Office

c. DOSFEA

Procedures in place

Jan/2006 To create a Civil Society ISP for NGOs / CSOs in the country in collaboration with TANGO

a. PURA

b. DOSCIT

c. Stakeholders

d. TANGO

ISP for the NGOs / CSOs

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July/2006 Establish a resource mobilization mechanism with a view of promoting sustainability in ICT structures (Material and Human) in collaboration with private sector

a. DOSCIT

b. DOSLGL

c. ITAG

LG ICT Fund / Initiative

Dec/2006 Establishment of pilot Rural Multimedia Centers particularly in Area Council Offices for the citizens to access government services in collaboration with Telecom Operators / ISPs.

a. DOSCIT

b. DOSLGL

c. ITAG

d. Telecom Operators / ISPs.

Rural Multimedia Centers

NOTE: The rest of the activities under the pillar: Infrastructure and Regulatory Issues will emerge from the proposed sectoral ICT Plan.

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLARS: EDUCATION

Dec/2005 Training Program for young men and women to realized and harness their potential for sustainable development

a. NITC b. DOSYSL

Number of local Community Groups in the country

Dec/2005 Establishment of a mechanism like National Accreditation Council (Certification & Accreditation) for all ICT Education programs offered by both public & private sector institutions

a. DOSE b. ITAG c. NITC

Establishment of a National body for Certification & Accreditation of ICT education programs

Dec / 2005 National ICT training for young men and women 50 participants for division including sports men.

a. DOSYS b. DOSE

Training Program

July/2006 o Establishment of ICT training Centers and e-learning

o Adult Literacy and Numeracy training o Special training on how to use websites

a. DOSE b. ITAG c. DOSCIT

No. of ICT Centers No. of women trained.

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o Establishment of Website on Gender Issues

Dec / 2006 Pilot Project for upgradation of the existing facilities to train ICT personnel/managers in schools and provision of alternative power supply solution.

a. DOSE b. NITC c. DOSCIT

Pilot Project launched

Dec/2006 Creation of a dedicated database system for youth on employment and technical skills available in the country

a. DOSYS b. DOSE c. DOSTIE

National Youth Database on Skills and Employment

2007 o Setting up Internet Cafés countrywide o Sensitizations to encourage all women

organizations to set up websites

a. Women’s Bureau b. Office of Vice President

No. of Internet Cafes established

No. of Women Organizations with websites

2008 o Have all Women Development project proposals on line

o Frequent updates on the website o Maintenance and operation of ICT

Centres

a. Women’s Bureau b. Office of Vice President

No. of project proposals in the web

No. of websites

2009 o Review of Media Programme deemed gender related

o Create Rural Media Centres

a. Women’s Bureau b. Office of Vice President c. NGOS

No. of Media Centres

2010 o Retraining of women beneficiaries on using the web.

o Update the website on gender issues and project proposals

o Maintenance and operation of the Media centers and Internet cafes countrywide

a. Women’s Bureau b. Office of Vice President c. NGos

No. of women retrained No. of repairs done

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

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PILLARS: HEALTH

Dec/2005 Training of Health Personnel on ICT DOSH Number of trained personnel

Dec/2006 Connecting Div Health Centers / Teams through a WAN / Internet

DOSH

System in place in place

July /2007 Sustaining the HMIS DOSH HMIS sustained internally

Dec / 2007 Telemedicine Network DOSH Telemedicine Pilot Project

Activity Responsibility Indicators PILLARS: TRADE & COMMERCE

2005-2010

a. Promote the development and expansion of local ICT industries GCCI

GIPFZA DOSCIT

Number of ICT industries developed

b. Facilitate the private sector participation to increase its investment in ICT human resource development

ITAG

GCCI

DOSCIT

Number of trained personnel

c. A national framework for e-commerce GCCI E-commerce framework in place

d. SME capacity-building strategies GCCI

ITAG

Strategies in place

e. Develop partnership modalities between government and the private sector in developing and exploiting the global and national information

DOSCIT No of Private –Public sector

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infrastructure ITAG

GCCI

projects

f. Strengthen the infrastructure of the existing institutions offering ICT education and training.

DOSE

NTA

Number of Training Institutions with ICT infrastructure

g. Various acts dealing with electronic transactions, security and public protection

DOSJ

DOSCIT

Enabling Legislation for Electronic Transaction.

h. Promote the development of ICT Parks that respond to local and export oriented products and services requirements

GCCI

DOSCIT

ITAG

Number of ICT Parks established

i. Attract nationals in Diaspora and develop programs for knowledge and skill transfer

DOSFA

DOSCIT

GIPFZA

GCCI

Number of Diasporas attracted

2011-2015

a. Develop the capacity of the private sector participation in the development of e-business

GCCI

ITAG

Number involve in e-business

b. Support and encourage initiative for local language based contents and application development, mass communication and information delivery

ITAG

GCCI

Number of programs in local languages

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c. Adopt nationally integrated and regionally distributed contents and access structure

DOSCIT

PURA

Percentage of information with Local content

Time Line

Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLAR: e-GOVERNNANCE

July/2005 Establish an e-Government Directorate that will be charged with the responsibility of overseeing the e-Government programmes

DOSCIT

PRESOFF

E-Govt Directorate

Dec/2006 Create Government websites for all DOS e-Govt Directorate

DOSCIT

No of Websites

Dec /2010 Implementing the e-Government strategy Pilot Projects e-Govt Directorate

DOSCIT

HMIS sustained internally

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Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLAR: AGRICULTURE

July/2005 a. Establish agricultural Marketing network that will enhance links and e-market locally and internationally as well as facilitating resource allocation and delivery

DOSA

Stakeholders

An agricultural market network established for crops and livestock

Dec/2006 b. Setting up of ICT information centres on production in all the six agricultural divisions for dissemination of relevant issues such as weather, other climatic trends, sources of production inputs/resources, etc.

c. Develop better methods of management of land and water resources to increase productivity and ensure food security through use of ICT.

DOSA

ITAG

DOSCIT

DOSA

ICT information centre established

Better Methods of land and water management developed.

July /2006 Training of agricultural personnel and beneficiaries on ICT.

DOSA

ITAG

Number of people trained

86

Staekholders

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLAR: GENDER

July/2005 Establishment of Rural Multimedia Centers for women with Internet facility

Women’s Bureau

Vice President’s Office

No of RMMC

Dec/2005 Creating a System for Monitoring and Evaluating (M& E) the level of production, distribution and marketing of basic commodities for information sharing, and for the purpose of planning Gender dimension in socio-economic development programmes

Women’s Bureau

Vice President’s Office

System in Place

Dec /2006 Capacity building for the women in fishing. Livestock and vegetable farming

Women’s Bureau

Vice President’s Office

No of Trained Women

Time Line Activity Responsibility Indicators

PILLAR: MEDIA

July/2006 Freedom of Information Act DOSJMedia Stakeholders

Enactment of the Act

Dec/2006 Establishment of an Independent Media Training Institute

GGMedia Stakeholders

Establishment of the Institute

Dec/2006 Comprehensive Media Act / Legislation to recognize GG / DOSJ / DOSCIT Enactment of the Act

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the three tiers of broadcasting. Media StakeholdersDec/2006 Repeal of the repressive Laws GG / DOSJ / DOSCIT

Media Stakeholders Repeal of the Insult Laws

Dec/2006 Creation of the Media Fund. GG / DOSJ / DOSCITMedia Stakeholders

Creation of the Media Fund.