MONROVIA – USAID and the President of the University of Liberia strongly congratulated the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications for the Launch of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) policy at the celebration of World Posts Day.
On Monday, May 17, 2021, USAID Mission Director in Liberia, Madam Sara R. Walter commended the Minister of Posts & Telecommunications, Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah Sr. and his deputies for the successful completion of the ICT Policy which is aim at creating a technological environment for all Liberians.
Madam Walter made the remark when she served as the Chief launcher at the Launch of the ICT Policy at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia.
The USAID Boss noted that the Ministry’s ICT policy promotes ICT development and encourage investment and cooperation in the ICT sector which is key to ensuring that no country is left behind in the push for digital transformation.
“In many ways, the National ICT policy for Liberia that we are launching today fits the bill, it aims to expand existing ICT infrastructure and establish a national fiber optic backbone to connect all 15 counties capitals and enhance cross-border connectivity”.
She said the policy is focused on addressing last mile challenges to ensure universal access to voice services and broadband, supported by the adoption of infrastructure sharing.
“It supports human capacity building and local innovation in science, digital skills and technology that lead to the creation of new jobs” she added.
May 17 each year is celebrated as World Telecommunications Day, it marks the founding of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International telegraph convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos.
For his Part, Minister Kruah appreciated USAID, CSQUARD, and other International partners for the successful launch of the ICT policy and the celebration of World Telecommunications Day.
Speaking further, he said, “As we embark on the delivery of services to our people in a most effective and efficient manner through integrated circuit, technology, we need instrument such as a ICT policy that will guide strategies that will enhance the security of our ICT environment while at the same time saving cost in sharing our scarce resources”.
Minister Kruah thanked President Weah for signing the ICT policy which mission is, “To enable full integrated Information Communication Technologies that support economic development and social inclusion for all Liberians” and with a vision; “To transform Liberia into a regional knowledge-base economy and inclusive information society with enhanced social development for all.”
Meanwhile, the President of the University of Liberia (UL) , Dr. Julius Nelson Jr. also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for it milestone achievement on the ICT Policy launched and used the occasion to announce that the UL will begin it Bachelor of Science degree in ICT next academic year while students are currently using e-learning at the UL.