ITU and AfDB join forces to interconnect African capitals and major cities
October 30, 2007
KIGALI, Rwanda -- The International Telecommunication Union and the African Development Bank (AfDB) agreed to collaborate on interconnecting all African capitals and major cities with ICT broadband infrastructure and strengthen connectivity to the rest of the world by 2012.
Commenting on the challenge ahead, Mr Kaberuka said, “In recent years, private investment in ICT infrastructure, especially in mobile phone networks, has had an enormous impact in many parts of Africa, but major gaps remain. The development banks and other financing partners have a responsibility to step in where these gaps are holding back development in the region.”
Secretary-General of ITU, Dr Hamadoun Touré and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Mr Donald Kaberuka announced this today at the Connect Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
“The solution for African development is not charity,” Dr Touré said. “African countries need modern, reliable broadband ICT infrastructure to attract investment for jobs and economic growth. This is about economic independence and strengthening Africa’s competitive position in the global economy.”
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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