This policy recognizes that there are many critical barriers that must be overcome in Liberia to achieve progress towards this goal and to the SDG connectivity targets and other regional commitments. For example, gender inequalities in ICT access can be a key barrier, as shown in a 2015 study by the Web Foundation’s Women’s Rights Online2 initiative which found that poor urban women in the developing world are nearly 50% less likely to access the internet than men3. Similarly, limited digital literacy levels, lack of local content and the absence of affordable energy supply are all significant barriers that need to be dealt with. This policy also acknowledges the need to take into account fast moving technology developments in the ICT space such as the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine (M2M) services, Net Neutrality, Big Data, Cybersecurity, OTT providers, Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Technologies. As these evolve, the policy must be quick to anticipate change and react appropriately. Finally, the policy focuses on the regulatory environment necessary for growth of the ICT sector, while clarifying the role of government, regulators, businesses and civil society organizations to contribute to this collective vision of an information society in Liberia - a society where all citizens are afforded the ability to access and use the internet safely to improve their lives. 2.0 LIBERIA’S VISION FOR ICT 2019-2024 2.1 Vision and Mission Statement The vision of the ICT Policy is: “To transform Liberia into a regional knowledge- based economy and inclusive information society with enhanced social development for all.” The mission of the ICT Policy is: “To enable fully integrated Information Communication Technologies that support economic development and social inclusion for all Liberians.” The vision and mission aim to ensure the presence of resilient infrastructure that supports expanded connectivity to attract investment and promote employment opportunities. This requires an ICT policy that encourages all stakeholders to play a committed role in the areas of Infrastructure development, internet broadband development, human capacity and digital skills, content development, uptake and strategic use of services and products, online safety and privacy, quality of service and efficiency of broadband networks and social inclusion of all citizens. The vision and mission are defined by the three pillars: Structure, Empower, Transform (SET). This also serves as a guide for development of cross sectoral policies as well as for a successful ICT sector. It includes a sector review mechanism that emphasizes accurate data gathering, benchmarked assessments, and dissemination through sector reports. The policy also covers the role of private sector, civil society, development partners and the media in a multi stakeholder effort to achieve the SET goals as shown in the graphic below. 2 3 Web Foundation (2015) Women’s Rights Online: Translating Access into Empowerment http://webfoundation.org/about/research/womens-rights-online-2015/ 16