The African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Foundation (AFICTF), has unveiled a two-year digital inclusion development plan for the continent.

AFICTF is targeting policy and infrastructure issues on the Internet of Things (IoTs), Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Foundation is a non-governmental organisation established in 2009, but recently reorganised to urgently address critical issues that bother on Africa’s digital inclusion.

The development plan was unveiled at the inauguration of the new Board of Trustees (BOT) chaired by the former Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Mr Tony Ojobo.

Mr. Ojobo, who doubles as the Chairman of the BOT and President of the Foundation, in his inaugural speech, declared a state of emergency on internet penetration, stating that Africa needs a declaration of emergency in the area of ICT development and innovation.

According to him, in the next two years, the Foundation will consciously be making efforts towards a holistic involvement in research and educational activities.

Ojobo said such activities would involve setting the policy agenda on technological innovations, information and communication technology, trade and globalization and clean energy.

He stated that the Foundation will be getting Africa’s private sector support on critical industry issues that affect the growth of Africa’s economy, while also working with policymakers to develop and promote policies and ideas.

According to him, these would also involve capitalising on the tremendous economic and social benefits ICT would provide for Africans.

“AFICTF will be encouraging adherence to high standard of research, empowerment and integrity with an internal code of ethics grounded in analytical rigour, policy pragmatism, and independence from external direction or bias.

“A key aspect of the development of digital inclusion in Africa will be to promote skills sustainable for the development of African nationhood,

“Such exposure will reduce the level of illiteracy and poverty in the society, as well as engage African youths on IT exchange programmes,” he said.

The Chairman of the BOT revealed that the thematic theme of the Foundation would be used to address the critical issues of Africa’s ICT development, called the 4As.

He said the 4As of ICT development and deployments were Awareness, Access, Adoption and Application.

Ojobo noted that there is the need for nations in the continent to be aware of the capabilities that ICT offered in terms of GDP growth and job creation.

“Our leaders need to embrace the use of ICT through its adoption for ease of business and processes required for industrial growth, noting that technology not applied cannot deliver the desired dividends,” he said.

Ojobo disclosed that part of the Foundation’s strategy of achieving its objectives were Partnerships/Collaborations, Funding, Advocacies and sensitisation, Capacity building and Training.

He stressed that true partnerships between governments and non-government actors were essential to addressing a problem as complex as ICT Penetration in Africa.

Ojobo said that the Foundation would encourage and support the emergence of ICT Innovation Hubs in the continent, which will serve as platforms for growth of start-ups with capacity for development.

(NAN)