Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents CHAPTER 7 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION STRETEGIES The social and economic challenges facing Zambia and the opportunities that ICTs offer pose complex policy choices for the nation. The country has to address the implementation of this policy and mainstreaming of ICTs amid strong competition for limited financial resources from other sectors. Therefore, the successful achievement of the ICT for Development ( ICT4D) policy goals and objectives depend on an integrated and wholesome approach during implementation underpinned by developing strategic synergies and partnerships between the public and private sector as well as civil society. This implies that clear definition of the roles, responsibilities and functions of all the stakeholders must be made. Developing this mutual understanding requires a deliberate and open process of broad-based consultations and participation among all major stakeholders to define the role of ICTs in various sectors. Apart from the Government having the responsibility to create the right policy environment to accelerate the nation s development through ICTs, the private sector and other key stakeholders like parliament, civil society, academia, media and legal/regulatory agencies as well as the cooperating partners also have key roles to play in order to facilitate the successful implementation of the provisions of this ICT4D policy. 7.1 STAKEHOLDER ROLES Within Government the following policy making institutions are important in creating a favourable institutional framework that will improve policy formulation, coordination and implementation. Currently, the mandate for ICT portfolio lies in the Ministry of Communications and Transport; however, in so doing the following portfolios are key in defining the required institutional framework. Finance and National Planning The Ministry of Finance and National Planning represents Government as the Shareholder in most Government owned business ventures such as parastatals. The coordination of planning activities as well as resource mobilisation and allocation in the country also falls under the same portfolio. Therefore, any efforts aimed at integrating ICT in national development requires the active participation of the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. Telecommunications The Ministry of Communications and Transport (MCT) is currently overseeing the activities of ZAMTEL, CAZ (the existing regulator) and ZAMPOST; other institutions with significant telecommunications/communications component include TAZARA, Zambia Railways, National Airports Corporation. 54