Our Work on the Digital Freedom Initiative
Our Work on the Digital Freedom Initiative
The Digital Freedom Initiative will be piloted in Senegal, a bulwark of stability in a region marked by conflict and humanitarian crises. A multiparty democracy, predominantly Muslim but secular, Senegal is a moderating voice in the Islamic and African worlds. There is strong commitment in Senegal at the highest political level to fostering the development and utilization of information and communication technologies.
The President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, chairs the ICT (information and communications technology) committee of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Since 1996, Senegal has been one of the leading African countries to make significant investments in technology, and is currently benefiting from a relatively high rate of penetration and growth of technology-related services. More than 10,000 mostly entrepreneur-managed phone shops, many equipped with Internet access, serve poor urban and rural populations.
Senegal is now in the process of liberalizing its telecommunications policy and regulatory regime. The national telephone company, Sonatel, was privatized in 1997. In January 2002, Senegal created an independent regulatory agency. It expects to introduce competition in 2004. Finally, in Senegal, U.S. volunteers are already present, and private sector firms, including HP, are making contributions.
The Senegal Pilot will:
* Place over 100 volunteers to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through ICT, and the government of Senegal with regulatory reform;
* Leverage nearly 200 cybercafes and 10,000 telecenters to generate information and services that provide business opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs;
* Benefit over 360,000 small businesses and more than half a million Sengalese; and
* Train and equip the 130 Peace Corps Volunteers in Senegal who require laptops and other technology to perform their service duties.
