An assessment of the Western-Cape Provincial Government information policy process and its lesson to Eritrea

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study assesses the information policy of the Western Cape provincial government- of SouthAfrica, with special emphasis on ICT for development in the general context of the globalInformation society. It is aimed at getting key lessons together for the Eritrean ICT policydevelopment.The methodology used in this study include review of the literature on the ICT policy in WesternCape, South Africa and beyond, conducting interviews with key actors in Western CapeProvincial Government and site visits to Multi-Purpose Community Centres. The study analysesinstitutions, ICT policy processes, methodologies and challenges. The study concludes thatalthough developing an ICT policy remains fundamental for developing countries like Eritrea, themain challenge lies in integrating new and old technologies into national development priorities.This cannot be achieved without building blocks such as adequate infrastructure, human andfinancial resources, and commitment to succeed in information age. A series of recommendationswere put forward for Eritrea based on the analysis of the policy process and progress in SouthAfrica in general and Western Cape Province in particular.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University