The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is launching an initiative to establish a network of about 100 multipurpose community telecentres (MCTs) in 20 African countries.
The MCTs will provide communities with ICT access, to help them obtain the social and economic benefits that come with participation in the information society.
"Multipurpose community telecentres are one of the most innovative and practical ways to bring the benefits of the information society to the people of Africa," says Hamadoun Tour'e, director of the ITU Development Bureau.
"Not only will they create employment and provide basic information services, but they establish community focal points for e-education, e-health and e-governance initiatives through Web-based multimedia content.
"They also stimulate the development and growth of local businesses as well as ICT skills among the local population," says Tour'e.
The initiative was requested by a number of African countries, including Benin, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and Ethiopia.
The ITU, in cooperation with the African Ministries of Communication and other local partners, has established four MCTs in Tanzania and Guinea Bissau.
"These are now already providing basic training in the use of computers and will soon supply other services such as public telephone, fax and Internet connectivity as well as basic information," says ITU project manager Asenath Mpatwa.
The MCTs will be managed by women, enabling them to actively participate in the development and decision-making processes of the African continent.
This initiative is in partial fulfilment of the commitment made by 175 countries to a plan of action at the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society to extend the benefits of ICT to "all of humanity".
"The importance of this initiative for African women can`t be understated," says Mpatwa. "The MCTs provide an enabling environment where women can actively participate in the economy and expand their role in communities through the use of ICT and the provision of new services."
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