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Friday, Sep 17, 2004

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International - India & World

Satellite network to link African Union

By Vinay Kumar

A PICTURE OF BONHOMIE: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg on Thursday. Mr. Kalam is on a four-day state visit to South Africa. - AFP

JOHANNESBURG, SEPT. 16 . India today proposed an ambitious $50 million programme to connect all the 53 nations of the African Union by a satellite fibre optic network.

India's offer of a "connectivity mission" among the African nations was unveiled by the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, in his landmark address to the Pan African Parliament, the first by a non-African head of State.

The Pan African Parliament is holding its second session in Johannesburg, the commercial capital of South Africa.

Mr. Kalam told the Parliament that the proposed network would give rural connectivity to the entire Pan African Union to use technology to provide democratic access and empowerment.

As the subject of rural connectivity and technology missions is known to be close to his heart, the President disclosed that he had discussed with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, yesterday to apprise him of India's commitment in health-care, education and other sectors for the African nations.

"Our Government has decided to provide seamless and integrated satellite, fibre optics and wireless network connecting 53 African countries for tele-education, tele-medicine and e-services. This will connect five universities, 53 leading centres, 10 super-speciality hospitals and 53 patient-end locations in rural areas," Mr. Kalam announced amid applause.

The project would cost $50 million for installation, initial operation and maintenance for three years and it would be in position within the next three years and all the participating African nations in the network would be able to reap full benefits. An Indo-Pan African joint team would make a proposal and prepare a roadmap.

Though Mr. Kalam was scheduled to have just an interaction at the prestigious Parliament, it was at the initiative of his South African counterpart, Thoba Mbeki, that the programme was changed at the last minute and the Indian President invited to speak.

Mr. Kalam said that "Focus Africa" programme was one of the highest priority items for India and the Government had pledged $200 millions in the form of credit line as part of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) scheme.

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