India launches pan-African network project

The Indian government has finally launched the pan African e-network project, a joint initiative with the African Union, which aim is to connect African countries to satellite and fiber-optic networks.

The project also looks to develop Africa's information and communication technologies by eventually connecting all 53 African countries to satellite and fiber-optic cables.

The e-network project is seen by communication experts as Africa's biggest ICT project, with online education and telemedicine programs expected to extend infrastructure development to rural areas and other underserved communities.

Indian Minister of Education Daphrose Gahakwa said that his government will spend more than US$125 million although the project is likely to demand $1 billion. So far 33 countries have already signed up for the pan African e-network project. India want to make inroads into Africa's ICT markets before China solidifies its investments there.

The Indian government will fully finance the establishment of centers for all African Union states including a learning center for tele-education, telemedicine and a private communication network for all African Union heads of state.

The e-network project was announced in 2004 in South Africa. In October 2005, the Indian government and the African Union signed a memorandum of Understanding to formalize the project.

The project will provide telemedicine services by way of online consultations between medical practitioners in Africa and specialists in India. Indian universities will offer online access to participating countries in different courses of study selected by the African Union.

India hopes the project will help it to sell more telecom and IT gear to Africa.