Founded in 1865, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is arguably one of the exceptional global bodies based on partnerships between governments and the private sector. While other similar world bodies comprise politicians and other bureaucrats, ITU membership boasts of telecommunication policymakers and regulators, network operators, equipment manufacturers and hardware and software developers. CIPESA examines its origins, role in developing infrastructure and what Africa should look forward to.

CIPESA: What would you consider to be the key achievements of the two World Summits on the Information Society?

Mr. Masambu: The involvement of all stakeholders - government, private sector, civil society, NGOs and the media in the WSIS consultation process; and the global agreement on access and connectivity targets to be achieved by 2015 to enable the realization of the information society. There was also the setting up of a Digital Solidarity Fund to help contribute to bridging the digital divide, and agreeing to establish an inclusive Global Internet Forum to discuss policy issues related to Internet governance.

CIPESA: WSIS Tunis did not quite answer the question of who should finance the bridging of the digital divide.  What are your proposals on this?

[Second of Seven commentaries in a sub series on Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa]

National policymaking is particular to each country; the type of society, government and economic circumstances therein; and naturally, the knowledge and talents of those creating the policies. ICT policy and regulation is a relatively new and challenging field for many policymakers. It requires understanding of complex technical, economic, social and political issues. At the same time, it tries to govern a rapidly changing environment...

While there are no universal rules, the following considerations can help policymakers frame their thinking about new technology in general and FOSS in particular. To incorporate technology into policy, policymakers should:

• Understand the areas where government interventions are possible and map out the options;
• Look at possible strategies and consider what other governments are doing;
• Understand the basic economics around technology use; and
• Consider the difficulties and obstacles to implementation.

[First of Seven commentaries in a sub series on Free/open source software (FOSS) policy in Africa]

There is increasing debate on the role and potential benefits of free/open-source software (FOSS), particularly in supporting developing countries in their attempts to increase the use of information and communication technology (ICT). And as a result, governments around the world are investigating whether and how they can integrate FOSS into their strategies for social and economic development. This document provides information to governments that are considering designing and implementing FOSS policies to support national development goals.

There are many reasons why FOSS advocates in Africa target their efforts at governments. Governments play a crucial role with regard to ICT in general and FOSS in particular. The public sector usually constitutes the largest ICT customer in African countries (e.g. the South African Government is the largest ICT user on the continent) and governments are in a position to drive strategic change throughout society. Governments also set the economic and regulatory boundaries that allow businesses to develop.