Video Greeting by H. E. President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal on the Digital Freedom Initiative
VIDEO GREETING BY H.E. PRESIDENT ABDOULAYE WADE OF SENEGAL
Duration: 3:25 mins
Dear friends, as you know I am a strong advocate of ICT [Information and Communication Technology]. My background being economics, I can foresee the numerous opportunities ICT can provide developing countries.
Our challenges in Senegal and in Africa are too many but three are paramount:
One; join the train of globalization as a respected player and partner.
Two; convince the Private Sector (domestic and International) that bringing goods and services, improving trade and encouraging massive investment in infrastructures and other priority-areas are the only way forward in Africa.
Three; strengthen through deep reforms a Governance system that favors a healthy transparent, democratic and accountable political and economic environment.
In all three challenges, there is no better tool for Africa’s great leap forward than ICT.
E-government, e-health, education, e-economy are real
shortcuts in order for us to quickly catch up.
As the leader of Senegal, a democratic and peaceful country, and as a leader and co-initiator of Nepad in charge of its ICT component, I am delighted to propose the concept and mechanism of “Digital Solidarity.”
The idea is as follows: in order to quickly close the digital gap by helping all countries outside of the information society, technically a digital snake, where we have to help ICT backward countries to enter. Let us implement a worldwide solidarity fund levied this way:
- 1 Dollar out of each purchase of a computer equipment.
- A penny for each phone call made.
This is a win-win situation where Senegal and Africa truly welcomes you.
In the meantime, my gratitude goes to the United States for this wonderful “digital freedom initiative” and for choosing Senegal, a strong ally and a solid friend of yours, as the pilot country in Africa.
Thank you.
