About the Programme

The focus of this programme is on building capacity and community development in Information and Communication Policy (ICT) and Internet governance (IG). It is designed for regional and sub-regional institutions in ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific).

With the collaboration of seven ACP partner institutions, the project trains key beneficiaries and institutions who are dealing with Internet Governance and ICT policy issues at the national, regional, and global levels. The capacity development programme is expected to train over 300 ACP officials and other specialists. The programme is financed by the EU @CP-ICT Programme, 9th European Development Fund (EDF).

The project started in 2009 and will run till 2011. It is made up of the following activities:

  • Online training courses, each lasting 12 weeks, in Internet Governance and ICT strategy.
  • A ‘train the trainers'  programme for 15 trainers from ACP countries.
  • A research phase to promote intra-ACP knowledge sharing and an active learning network.
  • Ten face-to-face workshops for decision makers and ICT officials from ACP countries.
  • Awareness building and knowledge sharing on ICT policy and IG, using a range of media including posters, comic books and multimedia; particular focus will be on awareness building among youth, women, people with disabilities and others who are not sufficiently represented in IG/ICT policy forums.
  • Policy immersion fellowships aimed at providing practical experience in policy-shaping and policy-making. A number of participants are selected for short-term internships at international organisations and for participation in international ICT/IG meetings.

  
Key outcomes of the project include:

  • a community of IG and ICT policy-makers throughout all ACP countries, working together to develop good practice in ICT policy regulations and promote greater stakeholder awareness of IG and ICT issues;
  • a group of next generation ICT/IG policy-makers who have built their skills and confidence through the training of trainers component and are ready to facilitate the continued development of this area.


The project builds on DiploFoundation's expertise in the field of Internet governance capacity building, and over ten years working in online learning and community building. Coupled with the national and regional ICT policy expertise of the ACP project partners and relevant experts, the project will bring together a wealth of IG and ICT knowledge. Participants will be active contributors in this project through their research work and the sharing of experiences and expertise through online and face-to-face discussions.