The Role of ICT in Enhancing Local Economic Development and Poverty Reduction

The paper discusses the foundations for establishing a viable and sustainable ICT industry and the opportunities it offers against the challenges many African countries face in their concerted efforts to participate fully in the information society and knowledge economy. Key ICT Policy thrusts are discussed focusing on the ICT as a sector, egovernment, e-governance and the education and training sectors. It is important to emphasize the need for government to be e-literate in order to competently manage and monitor the ICT sector. It is reaffirmed that ICT is crosscutting and an enabler for growth and development and for maximum benefit, countries must establish the right policy interventions, resource investments, appropriate networks (partnerships) and enabling environment. Four case studies that assist in mitigating effects of poverty and e-literacy are briefly discussed in order to show the impact of ICTs in agriculture, egovernment and rural districts.