International Cooperation in ICT for Development in Africa

摘要

In the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) action plan, the international cooperation was mentioned as one of the eleven action lines to build the information society, which demonstrates its importance for the reduction of the digital divide between the info-rich and the info-poor. Africa, being the most info-poor region in the world is the most concerned by this action line. Africa needs the support of the international community (governments of developed countries, international organizations, UN Agencies, global business sector, global civil society, etc.). By international cooperation, it was meant the financing mechanisms to bridge the digital gab. The Digital solidarity fund was created during the WSIS process, but didn't reach the agreement of the rich countries to be an official UN financing mechanism. It was launched as a voluntary fund. Where is it now? Was it the right solution?