During CODI-3, the ECA and the GKP jointly organized the GKP Africa Day that focused, among other things, on ICT and governance experiences from African countries, strategies for promoting e-governance in Africa, progress on ICT policies, and information and knowledge developments. In addition, participants showcased successful best practices, demonstrated project experiences, and conducted multimedia demonstrations and poster sessions during the GKP Marketplace.
Presentation was made on ePol-Net to the CODI plenary and the second GKP Africa Day that focused on concepts, strategic goals, principles & priorities, partnership model, role of ECA, and the way forward. Over 400 people participated in CODI-3 including delegates from 41 African countries and observers from over 80 national, regional and international organisations.
Participants recommended that ECA should assist in publicizing the ePol-Net initiative to all stakeholders in Africa. In addition, it was suggested that the ePol-Net activities be included in and linked to the AISI Outreach programme and other African-based ICT initiatives that can strengthen information and knowledge sharing among member States.
The ASN is the Africa regional network of the United Nations ICT Task Force created in January 2002, with its secretariat based in ECA. It aims at ensuring that UN’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa are better coordinated, more inclusive and reflective of the significant efforts already underway to develop an African information society.
During the ASN Steering Committee meeting, a presentation was made by Mr. Richard Bourassa and Mr. Raymond Lepage of Industry Canada that focused on the goals, principles, priorities, and partnership mechanisms for the global ePol-Net and its regional node for Africa.
Participants noted that the initiative is very important in assisting developing countries in formulating ICT strategies, and that ECA has been partnering with Canada as the regional node of the initiative and will serve to channel demand and supply and coordinate with partners. The discussions highlighted the importance of benchmarking, sharing knowledge and experiences with ongoing initiatives, coordination with partners and evaluation with clear performance indicators.