The Secretary of State for Communications, Information and Technology Honorable Neneh Macdouall-Gaye led a Gambian delegation to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to attend the ICT Best Practices Forum for West and Central Africa organized by Microsoft in collaboration with the African Development Bank and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The Forum opened by President Compaore of Burkina Faso and was attended by more that 350 participants, including three Heads of State, Ministers of ICT, Heads of ICT Agencies in 17 African countries, International Financial Institutions, Regional Economic Communities, Academia, Media, Youth and Civil Society Organisations.

The Forum discussed strategies and practical solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector institutions through the use of ICTs, to create the enabling environment for Africa to increase it competitiveness. The Forum also provided a platform for high level officials to share experiences of successful ICTs solutions and best practices in their respective countries,

At a round table discussion, Secretary of State MacDouall-Gaye said that in closing the digital gap, there has to be more access to equipment such as computers and in order for that to happen the high cost of equipment to developing countries must be reduced, a view re-echoed by the senior Vice President of Microsoft.

Secretary of State MacDouall-Gaye highlighted the government’s policies and strategies in creating opportunities for the youth and this includes building capacity in ICT. She however emphasized that more has to be done in this area, which she believes can be better achieved through Public Private Partnership.

The Secretary of State also held bilateral meetings with officials of Microsoft which includes the Microsoft Senior Vice President Mr. Orlando Ayala and Microsoft Chairman of Africa Dr. Sheikh Modibo Diarra who is also the Vice President of the United Nations World Science Ethic Committee,

At the end of the event, the Secretary of State signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft Africa for cooperation and support in various areas of ICT development. A team of Microsoft officials are expected in Banjul soon for a joint commission meeting to discuss matters of program intervention.

The Director of ICT Mr. Ebrima D Jobe and Managing Director of Gamtel Mr. Katim Touray accompanied Secretary of State Macdouall-Gaye.