8-10 ICT and E-readiness Survey A national information system with relevant indicators shall be set up to monitor progress on the implementation of infrastructure and services. The system shall be implemented by MIC with support from the National ICT Advisory Council, NATCOM and Statistics Sierra Leone. The indicators shall be culled from the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development. 1 Surveys on E-readiness An e-readiness survey is a useful tool in determining a country’s position in terms of ICT and it serves as an initial phase of any national ICT strategic planning process. This survey shall be conducted annually by NATCOM in collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone. The results of the survey shall provide a scorecard for all stakeholders. The indicators to be used in the surveys shall be consistent with the list of indicators provided by the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development. 9 CONCLUSION The Sierra Leone Government, private sector and civil society members recognize the potential offered by ICT in overcoming structural and historical weaknesses inherent in the country and affecting its overall development. The statements and targets in this document are therefore to accelerate a new phase in the economic growth and social development of Sierra Leone. Above all, they pave the way for the transformation of Government’s administrative processes, its communication with citizens, management of public services, education, citizen participation and commerce and all other aspects of the e-lives of Sierra Leoneans. “If the world is serious about achieving the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people living in extreme poverty by the year 2015, ICT must figure prominently in the effort. Everyone – governments, civil society, and private sector businesses – has a vital stake in fostering digital opportunity and putting ICT at the service of development.” 2 Kofi Annan, (Ex) UN Secretary-General 1 The Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development is an international, multi-stakeholder initiative launched in 2004 to improve the availability and quality of ICT data and indicators, particularly in developing countries. See: www.itu.int/ITUD/ict/partnership. 2 Kofi Annan, (Ex) UN Secretary-General - Extract from the foreword of the UNCTAD E-Commerce and Development Report 2003. ICT Policy of Sierra Leone Page 45 / 63