Could Ethiopia turn ICT into its Dynamic Comparative Advantage?

A round table discussion organized by the Ethiopian Economic Association (EEA) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Information Technology Professionals Association (EITPA) was held on July 19, 2002 in the conference Hall of Semen Hotel. The theme of the discussion was "Could Ethiopia Turn ICT into its Dynamic Comparative advantage?" Four panelists presented papers that dealt with core issues of ICT in relation to the development of the Ethiopian economy. Thus, the current economic situation of the country and the benefits that ICT could bring to the economy were thoroughly assessed. It was pointed out that ICT was one key sector where Ethiopia should work towards realizing its competitiveness in the global market. Hence, the need for a critical mass of human resources to support the development of a knowledge - based economy was of paramount importantance to create understanding related to issue critical to the roles that ICT could play to advance the country's economy.

The forum had created a lively atmosphere of understanding among all the participants and should be encouraged to continue with an expanded participation of stakeholders that comprise the private sector, the educational establishment and civil society organizations.