Project components

1. Policy and institutional support

This component aims at establishing an enabling environment for the growth of the ICT sector. It supports the assessment of the existing policy, regulatory and legal framework in the areas of information technology, telecom, broadcasting, knowledge sharing, and internet, and the capacity of key institutions that regulate the sector, provide services, or manage the reform process.

2. Application and community support

This component assists rural and urban Ethiopian communities to have increased access to telecommunication services and internet connectivity in order to improve their livelihoods and become part of an informed, proactive society striving for economic development and social progress.

Major Key Areas of Assistance

- Creating an enabling policy and a legal and regulatory framework for the growth of the Ethiopian ICT sector;

- Increasing connectivity and providing access to communication services throughout the country;

- Strengthening the institutional capacity of regulatory, advocacy and key policy making institutions;

- Establishing locally adapted ICT industry standards and data security policies;

- Fostering opportunities for women and youth as well as small and medium enterprises in the ICT sector;

- Facilitating access to markets and market information for rural and urban communities.

Several subcomponents of the ICTAD Project concentrate on enabling the public and private sector to improve their information, services and goods provision through the effective use of ICT:

- Community Information and Communication Technology Development (CIDEV)

- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

- ICT Incubator

- Refurbishment and Training Center

Partnership arrangements

ICTAD is a joint project of the Ethiopian Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (EICTDA), the World Bank and the German Development Service (DED). The Ethiopian Government and the World Bank contribute USD 5 million and USD 25 million respectively. The German Development Service (DED) supports ICTAD by providing technical assistance of USD 1.8 million equivalent for human resource development efforts, small and medium enterprise development and the strengthening of ICT vocational training programs.

The total sum allocated for the ICTAD Project is USD 31.8 million for a period of five years (2005-2009).

Several public Ethiopian institutions are working in close partnership with ICTAD and benefit from its policy and institutional support. To see a list of all partners click here: