CePRC GTEC Program October 3-7, 2005

The Canadian e-Policy Resource Centre (CePRC) invited 26 key African ICT policy makers to attend GTEC 2005, Canada's showcase of leading edge expertise and technology solutions that are driving government online solutions held in Ottawa, Canada October 3-7, 2005.

The 26 delegates were identified by the UN Economic Commission for Africa and CePRC. The objective of this study tour was to demonstrate Canada's achievements in Government On-Line (GOL) and the Canadian government's application of Information Communication Technology (ICTs). This programme provided a unique occasion for African policy makers to discuss e-government challenges with their Canadian counterparts.

Professor Clement Dzidonu, Head of the Computer Science Department at the Valley View University in Accra, Ghana, delivered a keynote address on developing e-Government in African countries. In addition, the East African Community e-Government Working Group (EAC), composed of representatives from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, delivered a joint presentation on their initiative to integrate their ICT policies and harmonize their legal framework with the aim of establishing the first free trade zone in Africa.

In addition to the 3-day conference, two day-long sessions were organized by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and Customs and Border Services Agency (CBSA).

PWGSC's session was focused on the development of Canada's GOL with presentations by key IT public sector professionals. Case Studies outlined lessons learned during implementation of GOL and participants found the session to be very relevant to Africa's current e-government development.

CBSA hosted the delegates at the Canada/U.S. border crossing at Lansdowne, Ontario and provided an opportunity to view e-Customs in operation. Participants were very impressed by the efficiency of e-Customs in allowing for the quick processing of imports and commercial goods. Many African countries have identified e-Customs as a priority and this visit provided them with many practices to integrate into their own plans.

One important message that the delegates gleaned from the Canadian presentations was the absolute importance of departments working together in a coordinated manner with the help and support of a central body or agency. For many delegates, this model was one they intended to apply to their situations.

Participants gave high marks to the CePRC GTEC Programme. They experienced first-hand how Canada implemented its e-Government initiative and they established new relationships within the policy-making cadre – both in Canada and amongst themselves.

CePRC continues to work with African governments in developing their e-policies and strategies – contact us for more information.