Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D)

Governments around the world have grown concerned that unequal internet access could widen social and economic divisions - among individuals, companies, regions and nations.

In a global society that increasingly depends on the internet to deliver information, enhance communications, improve education and conduct business, it is becoming increasingly important that all citizens have internet access. As well, connected businesses are better positioned to take advantage of local and global opportunities, investment and innovation that leads to increased productivity and prosperity.

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are much more than a high growth sector of our economy. They are a platform to exchange information and knowledge. They are an enabler to improve the delivery of social and economic services, such as education, health, government services, e-commerce, etc. ICTs are therefore becoming an essential catalyst in the development of countries, regions, communities and individuals.

We strive toward the mainstreaming of ICT in the global development agenda by:

• Acting as the executing agency for ICT4D initiatives under the Canada Fund for Africa, specifically for bridging the digital divide through the following projects:
  • Canadian ePolicy Resource Centre for Africa (CePRC);
  • Connectivity Africa;
  • Open Knowledge Network (OKN);
  • Enablis.


• Participating actively in global ICT for development initiatives, such as:
  • the United Nations Task Force (UN ICT Task Force);
  • the World Summit on the Global Information Society (WSIS);
  • the G8 Digital Opportunity Task (DOT) Force.


• Facilitating cooperation with international organizations.



• Promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation and making the case for ICTs as tools for development through ICT4D partnerships and initiatives.



• Promoting domestic cooperation through organizations such as:
• Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) and International Trade Canada (ITCan);
• Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA);
• Canada School of Public Service (CSPS);
• International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The Electronic Commerce Branch is also very active in the promotion of national ICT policies and strategies for development through the Global ePolicy Resource Network (ePol-NET). As the champion for the establishment and implementation of ePol-NET, the Electronic Commerce Branch provides leadership in promoting international cooperation and partnerships in support of national e-strategies for development. The ePol-NET brings together providers of e-strategy information and expertise to developing countries.

For more information on the subject of International Development please see our list of related links. If you were unable to find the information you were searching for please contact us.