Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age - Home Page

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a central role in economic and social development.

The relationship between ICTs and sustainable development was discussed at the first Global Knowledge Conference (GK1, Canada 1997) and the second Global Knowledge conference (GKII, Kuala Lumpur 2000) further explored the ways in which the information revolution transforms the development process.

Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age, brings together key international and Ethiopian stakeholders from public and private sectors as well as from civil society at the ultra-modern facilities of the UN Economic Commission of Africa

Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age aims to develop an ICT vision for Ethiopia, share examples of best practice, take practical steps towards the implementation of successful partnership projects, heighten awareness of the role of ICTs in fostering social and economic development and start a ongoing policy dialogue between major Ethiopian stakeholders leading to a coherent national ICT policy.

Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age provides plenary presentations on challenges and opportunities, mechanisms towards co-ordination and on partnerships as well as focus groups on Infrastructure and Access, Applications and Services, Human Resource Development and Systems and Enterprise Development.

Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age will make recommendations for further action along the policy-regulatory-operational continuum.

Ethiopia in the Knowledge Age, emphasizes the key role of practical applications and case studies through an exhibition, showcasing international and Ethiopian products.

The principal organiser of this event, The British Council, like other members of the Global Knowledge Partnership, continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring equitable access to information and knowledge through the organisation of conferences focusing on the role of ICTs in national and regional development. These include:

• GK West Africa (February, 1998)
• BICA99, Building Information Communities in Africa (March 1999)
• TASKNET: Towards a South Asia Knowledge Network (November 1999)