Click Here & Upgrade PDF Complete Expanded Features Unlimited Pages Documents arising from technology utilisation including ICTs; while developing countries are still focused on resource based economies ICTs have become economic drivers in developed countries. Zambia can benefit from this lesson to break the chain of poverty. C(g) Ensuring rational and harmonised application of ICTs and use of scarce resources The National ICT Policy establishes the technical, legal and institutional framework that guarantees not only a rational and harmonised use of ICTs for sustainable development but also a more profitable participation of stakeholders in sector and country activities. (h) Enhancing Zambia’s competitiveness in the global information society & economy The relevance of any given country in the global economy that is heavily characterised by use of information as a commodity is determined by the effectiveness and efficiency of using ICTs as part of the national development framework. Indeed, information and communication technologies have become, in this information age, the great common denominator of development projects, ranging from agriculture, mineral prospecting, environmental management, education, health, culture, tourism etc. (i) Creating a positive sector benchmark for cooperating partners Policy reforms in any sector are some of the benchmarks used to guarantee technical and financial assistance by many Cooperating Partners. Therefore, the existence of a sector policy creates not only confidence sector governance issues but also developmental aid flow a key element in resource mobilisation for implementing ICTs in the country. (j) Creating a framework for addressing and endorsing international commitments Zambia has participated in various activities of the United Nations, AU (NEPAD) and regional bodies such as COMESA and SADC in the area of ICT. Endorsing and implementing the provisions of such declarations and protocols require adequate sector policy framework. 21