The GRAMEEN Foundation research reader, Ali Ndiwalana advised the private sector to incorporate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in their businesses if they are to foster development.

While presenting the research findings of 2011information economic report yesterday at Makerere University, he said that the research finding reflect frequent absence of ICT dimension from Private Sector development strategies.

This in turn hinders the sector's competitiveness, Ndiwalana noted. He added that there is need for government to create environments for greater ICT adoption for private sector development.

"This can be done through liberalizing markets to expand and improve network infrastructure and providing legal and regulatory environment for electronic transactions." he explained.

He also noted that special attention should be given to providing ICT access to places where connectivity is still lacking and building trust in people to use ICT especially in rural areas.

Ndiwalana however observed that there is lack of adequate open data for the people to use, which is also a hindrance for the private sector development.

He noted that when one needs information about Uganda, they usually have to check the World Bank records if they are to get any useful data which is a long process.

"Developing countries use the internet mostly to obtain information rather than conducting transactions with government. This can be improved if the governments can relay relevant information and facilitate transaction services such as payment of taxes online, utilities and automate customs systems." he explained.

In response, Julius Peter Torach the director of e-government services National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) said that the body is ready to partner with the private sector to facilitate the development of open data.

Reposted from http://allafrica.com/stories/201110270895.html 

Posted by Tara Homeri
WOUGNET Information Sharing Online Volunteer
(WOUGNET Online Volunteer mobilized through the UNV Online Volunteering Service)