The internet holds great possibilities for improving citizens’ engagement in governance issues. Indeed, it is increasingly being realised that new tools for public engagement, such as the internet and mobile phones,  need to be deployed so as to enable more citizens to contribute to the policy debate in a meaningful and convenient manner.

CIPESA is spearheading a multi-year programme that catalyses the use of ICTs in enabling and monitoring democracy. The programme, to be undertaken with various partners, is still under construction but will be multi-faceted. Initial work has started, such as a baseline study to establish the current state of play and the opportunities for intervention. Raising citizen participation in community/ public affairs via ICTs is central to this initiative. For more information about the initiative, please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it