4.2. Institutional Structure /Arrangement/
In recognition of the existing institutional short comings to support and facilitate ICT
development, the Government has put in place the necessary institutional building blocks
required for the development of a robust ICT sector. In part, the measures taken were
dictated by the rapid evolution of the ICT industry world-wide and the similar situation
being observed in Ethiopia. Amongst the measures taken thus far is the establishment of
the Ethiopian Information and Communications Technology Development Agency
(EICTDA). The Agency is given a mandate to formulate ICT policies and strategies, and
coordinate their implementation. The Agency’s basic objective is to create a conducive
environment for the development of ICT; and for its effective application in the process
of national development. Its important function is to “use information communication
technology” in such a way that it contributes to the nation’s socio-economic development
and the building of democracy and good government. Other key players and stakeholders
facilitating and supporting the development and implementation of ICT in Ethiopia
include
the
Ethiopian
Science
and
Technology
Ministry,
the
Ethiopian
Telecommunications Agency, a regulatory body, Information Network Security Agency
(INSA), the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation, the Ethiopian Broadcasting
Agency and the Graduate College of Telecommunications and Information Technology.
Additionally, the ICT policy also gives due consideration to the following.
a) Establishing a National ICT council (NICTC), members of this council will
constitute representatives of the academic, professionals and civil society
organizations.
b) Establishing a body that coordinates and supervises those government institutions
with national responsibilities to supervise and monitor the implementation of ICT
basic development policy as well as the sector.
c) Developing adequate and sustainable capacity at all levels of government and
across different sectors for formulating and implementing national ICT programs
and projects.
d) Articulating public and private sector partnership modalities for national ICT
development.
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