The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA), with support from the Government of Canada, has set up the African regional node to the ePol-NET, where the demand side of ICT for development in Africa will be coordinated. The regional node will also reach out to national and sub-regional centres of expertise in Africa on the supply side.

It is part of an initiative to help Africa expand the use and benefits of information and communications technology (ICTs), made by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the G8 African Action Plan in response to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, in Kananaskis, Canada in June 2002.

The activities from the regional node will support demand from African institutions and individuals, such as policy experts, program managers and legislative drafters seeking e-strategy expertise, guidance and advice.

The e-Policy Resource Network for Africa will address policy issues, regulations and strategies in areas such as e-commerce, legal and policy frameworks, telecommunications policy and regulation, internet governance, e-government and connectivity strategies.