IDS Presentation by Simbo Ntiro

eThink Tank and IT Policy: 

eThink Tank and IT Policy Public Policy Dialogue Karimjee Hall, 24 November 2000 Presented by Simbo Ntiro

Introductions: 

Introductions Simbo Ntiro, IT Director for KPMG Tanzania Was to be joined by: David Sawe, Director of MIS for Civil Service Department, and Ali Mufuruki, Chairman and CEO of Infotech Group of Companies

Background of eThink Tank: 

Background of eThink Tank An informal group of Tanzanians with a common vision First meeting on 8 February 2000 Information Document published on 22 June 2000 and is available on the Internet Regular meetings, usually weekly Open to all

Why form eThink Tank?: 

Why form eThink Tank? Public educational institutions lack computers No focal point for ICT and no leadership Inappropriate policies, regulations and laws Little coordination of national IT projects No regional harmonisation of policy Basic ICT infrastructure is poor and limited Some commercial ICT initiatives not feasible Policy, regulatory and legal framework does not stimulate ICT for development

How can ICT help Tanzania’s development?: 

How can ICT help Tanzania’s development? Improving the quality and content of education by distance-learning country-wide Cheaply circulating information by email instead of paper Sale of Tanzanian products over the internet with better prices and at reduced cost, to larger markets Improving the quality of health care by disseminating relevant information quickly and cheaply Introducing eGovernment to improve the quality, speed, and range of services delivered Introducing eCommerce to reduce the cost of purchasing products Improving the quality of agricultural extension services Introduce new commercial opportunities Promote productivity (efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability)

What is the impact of NOT intervening in ICT policy?: 

What is the impact of NOT intervening in ICT policy? Expensive computers and accessories because of high taxation Inadequate training in the use of technology Poor penetration of telephone lines and digital access to the internet “Hollowing out” of industries resulting in reduced taxation and revenue to government Poor infrastructure because of un-informed decisions Our workers are not competitive as they lack appropriate skills Unable to participate effectively in the new Internet economy

Our Mission: 

Our Mission Offer ICT leadership by catalysing policy changes and by supporting related developments aimed at enabling Tanzanians to participate effectively in the modern Internet-based global economy, benefiting their Nation and partners

Our goals: 

Our goals Phase I. To establish a national ICT organisation with mandate from the Government. Organisation to is to become the ICT focal point for Tanzania by remaining in the public domain while bringing together diverse stakeholders to contribute to ICT policy development at national and international levels Phase II. To educate, support, and advise the national ICT organisation in all its ICT activities at the national and international level for the benefit of Tanzanians, whilst assisting in the formation of working groups focused on ICT development

National ICT Organisation will: 

National ICT Organisation will Have Government mandate for ICT at national and international levels, and drive relevant policy changes Be a public – private partnership that is NOT part of Government, but has the mandate of Government and key ICT Stakeholders on furthering ICT for Tanzania’s development Be Tanzania’s ICT focal point and link to international ICT organisations Safeguard Tanzania’s unique characteristics including its sovereignty, diversities, unity, culture, and social values in the globally networked world Maintain a view of global and regional strategic perspectives to assure cross-border alignment of significant ICT initiatives and interdependencies

National ICT Organisation activites: 

National ICT Organisation activites Stimulate Tanzanians to develop and propagate content on the Internet that is relevant to them, that addresses local issues, reflects Tanzania’s cultural diversity, and their social values Educate the Tanzanian public on benefits of ICTs and the way business is increasingly conducted in the new global economy Establish working groups focused on ICT development including on legal, regulatory, technical, cultural and social, education, economics, trade, and finance Be the focal point to address emerging issues or trends that relate to ICTs. For example cross-border taxation within the context of global eCommerce Monitor the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards, policies and regulations related to ICT, incorporating stakeholder requirements for their benefit Monitor the proposed investments in ICT-enabling infrastructure, incorporating stakeholder requirements for the greater national benefit

Progress in achieving mission: 

Progress in achieving mission CSD and UNDP are supporting / funding eThink Tank to establish the national ICT organisation Becoming a focal point for ICT in Tz Agreed an Interim Steering Committee and eSecretariat Engaging in dialogue with interested parties and participating in ICT initiatives Participating in DOT Force

Proposed organisational arrangements: 

Proposed organisational arrangements eSecretariat Oversight & Management – to be recruited Regulatory / Legal – to be recruited Information, Education, Communication – to be recruited Technology – to be recruited Administration and accounting - to be recruited UNDP Advisor – to be assigned Interim Steering Committee Ali Mufuruki – eThink Tank CSD – to be assigned UNDP – to be assigned Services to eSecretariat ICT tools Legal advice HR consultancy IEC consultancy Other consultancy Office accommodation CSD Link to Government Institutional arrange-ments under PSRP UNDP Resources Facilitation eThink Tank Establish self-funded Association Guidance, oversight, & validation Continue to meet Provide input as relevant

Tanzania’s involvement in the Digital Opportunity Task Force: 

Tanzania’s involvement in the Digital Opportunity Task Force DOT Force was set up in the G8 talks in Okinawa in July 2000 DOT Force intends to eliminate the digital divide between developed and developing countries by taking concrete collective steps on: Fostering policy, regulatory, and network readiness Improving connectivity, increasing access and lowering cost Building human capacity Encouraging participation in global eCommerce networks There is significant funding for DOT Force activities Tanzania among other developing countries was nominated to DOT Force last week, and two delegates are in Tokyo for the first meeting on 27 November 2000. Others are Bolivia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa DOT Force will report to the G8 in Genoa, Italy in July 2001

More information and how to contact us: 

More information and how to contact us Information Document and other documents of interest on: www.cats-net.com/ethinktank/ http://ethinktank.intafrica.com www.raha.com/ethinktank/ Contact people Simbo Ntiro – Simbo.Ntiro@eThinkTankTz.org David Sawe – David.Sawe@eThinkTankTz.org