The Policy provides the strategic framework for the National Communication Law and seeks to provide all stakeholders across all levels of government, private sector, civil society and the public with a clear roadmap to drive economic, social, cultural and political transformation through effective use of ICTs. ICTs have a critical role in enabling socio-economic development with positive impacts on job creation, delivery of health care, education and research, and civic participation. However, obtaining the maximum potential from these technologies requires comprehensive policies that take a multisectoral view of ICTs. For example, this includes the areas of education, health, finance, empowerment and social transformation, employment and social development. The Policy therefore aims to address ICT infrastructure and other ecosystem gaps through the use of several policy instruments and actions that make use of supply side and demand side measures. It is expected that providing the required ICT platforms and integrated support will contribute to building a cohesive and economically independent society. SUMMARY OF KEY POLICY FOCUS AREAS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 8 Policy, legal, and regulatory framework Public communication services – voice and broadband internet, Universal access strategy (use of ICTs in underserved areas and by women, youth, the disabled and marginalised groups Basic infrastructure in all Regional States - domestic and international backbones, radio spectrum, interconnection Digital infrastructure – internet exchange points, cybersecurity, payments platforms Consumer protection, privacy & child protection Human resource development – education, training, innovation, research and development Digital services and content – e-commerce, financial services, media, governance/public administration, health, education, agriculture Postal services development