Information and communication have a decisive impact on development. In March 2003, Alternatives launched an Internet portal for Congo’s civil society that offered over 400 local Congolese organisations greater dynamicism and visibility.
In 2005, we organised a series of events with technology and communications accessibility as the theme. The culmination of this process was the establishment of a concerted project called the Multi-sector Dynamic on Information and Communication Technologies (Dynamique multisectorielle sur les TIC)
Our 2006-09 program consists of 3 components:
– a study on Internet infrastructure in the DRC published in August, 2007
– establishing TIC development policies that work towards universal access
– an advocacy campaign for the development of ICTs in the DRC
1) A study on Internet infrastructure in the DRC
This study allowed us to look into the feasibility of establishing a nationwide Internet backbone in the DRC. The recommendations included technical strategies for the development of the infrastructure, as well as managing the infrastructure with Open Access and emphasising the need for affordable bandwidth.
The goal is to improve access to ICTs and, in turn, promote social and economic development.
The final report is available online (in French only) at RDC-TIC.
2) Establishing ICT development policies
With our partner, the Dynamique multisectorielle sur les TIC (DMTIC), this component aimed to put into place development policies for TIC in the DRC. It focused on improving connectivity through investment in infrastructure and training for Congolese citizens. It will also help to directly involve the DRC government in the proceedings of the Sommet Mondial de la Société de l’Information (SMSI) in its attempts to meet the Milleneum Development Goals.
3) An advocacy campaign for the development of ICTs in the DRC
Working again with the DMTIC, and with the collaboration of the Association for Progressive Communications , we are developing an advocacy campaign for the development of TIC in the DRC directed at the DRC government, the Congolese private sector, and civil society (academia, the media, NGOs, etc). The progress of the campaign can be followed online at www.rdc-tic.cd. The website is a collaborative project between Alternatives and the DMTIC, and is available in French only.
Publications:
Article on the DRC in the Global Information Society Watch 2008.
