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In the area of Information Technology, COMESA’s main intervention is to promote the use and awareness of Information Technology to lead to the Information Society and to contribute to socio-economic integration.
The importance of education cannot be underplayed in contributing to the development of nations and ultimately to regional integration. In ensuring that that the region has quick and easy access to varied education. COMESA has partnered with the Government of Kenya for the effectively delivery of learning online through the e-Learning system available on http://elearning.comesa.int
The elements of efficient and transparent governance have been emphasised on for governments to improve on service delivery and accountability. COMESA has therefore developed a regional e-Government framework and developed a portal to help harmonise e-Government efforts in the region and to assist the Member States in implementing e-Government. The United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) is a key partner in the implementation of the e-Government programme for COMESA. The portal is available on http://egov.comesa.int
To facilitate e-trade and ensure harmonisation of legal instruments for the introduction of electronic technology for trade in the region, COMESA embarked on the development of e-legislation guidelines for the Member States through a comprehensive study done in 2006. UNCITRAL has also been engaged to provide the necessary technical support on the programme. A study is soon to be commissioned to draft regulations to facilitate secure electronic transactions. The expected date of completion of the study is July, 2010.
Further efforts to facilitate trade using Information and Communications Technology (ICT’s) are in the area of Customs modernisation where COMESA plays a major role in assisting the Member States to improve their Customs Administrations. Currently support is provided for the ASYCUDA customs management software in collaboration with UNCTAD.
The main programmes being implemented and guided by the technical committee on Information Technology comprising members from the Member States, are therefore in:
These programmes are a core part of the organisation’s IT Master Plan which comprises activities such as:
- Geographical Information Systems(GIS)
- Upgrading of Secretariat’s IT network services; and
- Development and Support of Information Systems that address the needs of the various programmes in the Secretariat.
The programmes and activities in Information Technology will continuously evolve and aim to fulfil the objectives of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s).
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