[AfrICANN-discuss] ICTs in Tanzania and Zambia: Policy briefs now online

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

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Policy briefs now online 17 November 2010

Dear colleague,

Two new Panos London policy briefings examining the impact of information
and communication technologies (ICTs) in *Tanzania *(
http://www.panos.org.uk/?lid=33346) and *Zambia *(
www.panos.org.uk/?lid=33615) are now freely available online. ICTs are
increasingly important in achieving development goals and promoting citizen
participation. These briefings look at the impact of ICTs in Tanzania and
Zambia, and the constraints that have limited their effect. They also make
recommendations for policy changes that may help to increase the positive
impact of ICTs in the future.

ICTs are believed to contribute to improving development outcomes in two
main ways: the production of ICT-based knowledge and products contributes
directly to wealth creation, and the use of ICTs contributes indirectly to
national development through its impact on social and economic sectors such
as agriculture, health and education.

Individuals also benefit from the availability and use of ICTs in many ways
– for example, by substituting phone calls for travel, which costs time and
money, and by using information on prices, which ICTs can make available, to
sell their own produce and to make purchases. In these various ways, ICTs
can have a significant impact on a country’s ability to achieve the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

There are, however, also constraints on the potential impact of ICTs in many
developing countries. These constraints include inadequate technical
infrastructure, limited human skills to use available networks and services,
the relatively high cost of communications equipment, and poor policy and
regulatory environments. These factors reduce the scope for countries and
communities to use ICTs for development, and may even increase exclusion and
marginalisation.

Panos London believes that communication is at the heart of development. The
experiences in Tanzania and Zambia offer pointers for other African
governments and organisations concerned to maximise the value of ICTs within
development. I hope these policy briefings provide an insight into the
progress of ICTs in these countries, and I would welcome your feedback.

Best wishes,
*
Murali Shanmugavelan*
Information Society Programme
Panos London
     9 White Lion Street
London N1 9PD
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 7278 1111
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