AfricaNews editors
The World Bank has made available US$2.2 billion for 22 projects in Africa in an effort to promote research and development of technology and science in the telecommunications field.
The Bank's Country Director for Southern Africa, Ruth Kagia, made the announcement at a NEPAD summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kagia said: “When competition in the telecommunication sector is heightened, then we all know that the charges will be lower to enable majority people access communication technology. The reason why communication is very expensive in this country (South Africa) is because of the monopoly in the telecommunications cables in east Africa. As World Bank, we will support regional competition in this regard.”
According to Itnewsafrica.com, Kagia also leveled some criticism at African governments who are yet to deregulate their ICT sectors sufficiently to allow for competitive practices, resulting in wider access at lower cost to communications technologies for its citizens.
According to Kagia, the allocated funds were specifically intended to increase competition in the ICT sector throughout the continent.
Ghana: Foreign retailers cited for currency…09:37
Kenya: Community radio brings succour to…08:40
Veld fires 'flame' Zimbabwe's…16/05
Liberia commends ECOWAS for support14/05
Vanishing Lake Chad puts 30m lives at risk14/05
Heavy rains cause havoc in Kenya14/05
Zimbabwe: Growth points lie dormant14/05
Sierra Leone improves in infant mortality11/05
