The e-learning Africa (eLA) initiative has created an interest across the African countries on adoption and implementation of e-learning policies, initiatives and programmes. ICT-supported education is currently a core component of the development plans of most African governments. ICTs are being integrated into many national educational systems in order to reach the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of “Education for All” (EFA).

The Network for Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange (NetTel@Africa) is another initiative that is changing the technology landscape in Africa. It has created a truly unique on-line learning program that is changing the way policymakers think about ICT policy reform. NetTel is an African Network created for capacity building and knowledge exchange in ICT policy, regulation and applications. NetTel’s goal is to make the provision of ICT services more accessible and more affordable in African countries. This goal cannot be achieved without improved policy and regulation and increased private sector investment.

There is a strong partnership building between India and African countries for technology, and an opportunity to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and sharing of experience. Recent developments have shown partnerships in the education and health sector with collaboration with higher educational institutes in India for e-learning and tele-medicine initiatives under the Pan-Africa e-network (PAN). India plans to invest $ 1 billion in the Pan-African e-Network satellite project involving several African nations. This is a joint-initiative taken between those countries under the Africa Union and India to develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Africa. Zambia, Gambia, Ghana, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Mauritius and Tanzania are some of the 27 countries in Africa who have reached an agreement with the Indian Government.

GeSCI’s Role
To facilitate knowledge sharing and knowledge building partnerships, GeSCI has introduced the Africa Knowledge Exchange (AKE) initiative to build dialogue and establish processes and mechanisms of knowledge exchange amongst participating countries and provide assistance in building competencies in adopting ICT in education policies, programmes and projects. Keeping in view of the recent and rapid developments of ICT in Africa, GeSCI aims to co-ordinate the ICT and e-learning progress and activities for achieving educational goals.

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Objectives
The strategic objective of the workshop was to explore the domain e-learning for increasing access to education in the Sub-Saharan region. It aimed to understand the requirements, cost-effectiveness and implementation of learning network systems as an integrated approach to the overall plans and initiatives of the invited countries.

The broad objectives were:

• Share information with invited countries on lessons learned from GeSCI work in Namibia
• Share information, trends and developments in the field of e-learning and e-learning centres and outline the process of integrating e-learning into National learning systems
• Facilitate peer-to-peer exchange on e-learning programmes amongst countries
• Explore the establishment of Sub-Saharan African e-Learning working group

Rationale and Framework

• Information sharing for localisation of global experiences and good practices by Sub-Saharan countries through an Africa Knowledge Exchange (AKE) platform provided by GeSCI
• Initiate the process of knowledge and information sharing and knowledge building amongst Sub-Saharan countries
• Build capacity and understanding on e-learning
• Provide a platform for seeking information and take informed-decision on ICT applications in education sector
• GeSCI as a strategic advisor towards building an end-to-end solution for ICT in education and assisting Ministry of Education in Sub-Saharan countries
• Sharing of existing and upcoming partnerships in respective countries on e-learning

Workshop Proceedings
Opening Remarks: Ms Astrid Dufborg, Executive Director, GeSCI

Introduction to AKE: Mr Khalid Bomba, Regional Director Africa, GeSCI

Keynote Speech: Mr Kennedy Khara, Directorate of e-government, Government of Kenya

Creating an Environment for National e-Learning Development: Ms Patti Swatts, Education Specialist, GeSCI (Pdf)

e-Learning Initiatives and Trends: Ms Mary Hooker, Education Specialist, GeSCI (HTML)

ICT in Education-Challenges and Issues: Mr Alex Twinomugisha, ICT Specialist, GeSCI (Pdf)

Requirements for an Effective e-Learning Initiative: Ms Denise Clarke, Country programme co-ordinator (Ghana), GeSCI (HTML)

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