ICTs - Engine for Sustainable Development

Wireless technologies such as mobile communications have spread through Africa, Asia and Latin America, creating alternatives for people without access to fixed line telephony. Broadband access is also increasing. Major infrastructure developments connect East Africa to the global fibre optics networks. So despite persisting infrastructure deficits, connectivity in Africa is improving. ICTs are impacting on political, social and cultural life there as elsewhere in the world.

There are many examples of ICTs being used for development: financial transactions via mobile phones, telemedical diagnosis and treatment, transparent documentation of state expenditure, to name some. ICTs can lever economic opportunities, cut costs and improve the availability of public services.

Notwithstanding the progress made, much remains to be done to provide affordable broadband Internet access to people in developing countries to use for their economic and social development. By supporting our partner countries in creating ICT-enabling environments and integrating ICTs into our development programmes, we support them in transforming into knowledge-based societies. We offer appropriate technologies and situation-specific consulting based on our long-term experience and expertise networks.

More on this theme:

• Information and Communication Technologies for Development
  This flyer presents an overview of GIZ (former GTZ) strategies and activities in the field of ICTs and development.
  gtz2009-en-information-communication-technologies-for-development.pdf, 0.69 MB (english)