Ethiopia registers success in utilization of ICT
16 May 2009
A report of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN/ECA) disclosed that Ethiopia has registered remarkable achievements in utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) for various purposes while ensuring its cultural identity and diversity.
According to the document, released at the First Session of the Committee on Development Information, Science and Technology held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the country has been utilizing ICT for exchange of information among institutions and thereby improving the provision of social and administrative services.
The report, which comprises the status of ICT utilization in 12 African countries, indicated that Ethiopia has been creating an ‘informed community’ by introducing e-employment, e-environment, e-agriculture, e-health, and e-science.
“ICT policy of the country specifies the need to promote cultural and linguistic heritages, especially the need to develop content for preserving the value, wisdom, and acquired knowledge of traditional communities and culture,” the report disclosed.
The document also indicated that Ethiopia has already prepared glossaries of ICT terminology for three local languages besides developing keyboard standard for Ethiopian alphabet.
The Ethiopian government has established ‘National Information Network Security Agency’ in a bid to address the ICT related security issues, according to the report.
The report, released at the first session of the committee held between 28 April and 01 May 2009, also indicated the status of ICT in Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Uganda, and other countries.
