Effective application of ICT to improving the quality of life and reducing poverty in poor countries: recent experiences and new approaches

This paper addresses the role of ICT in reducing poverty and improving quality of life in poor countries. Past efforts have not produced results of global or national consequence. In contrast, the experience provided by recent studies, simulations, and projects we have implemented under various development and IFI programs have allowed us to assess related strategies and to formulate future programs. Using these experiences, we examine the causes of past shortcomings - from technical, to institutional, to strategic - and review the relevant issues. We examine: (i) strategies to penetrate poor areas with ICT at levels adequate to support health, education, information, and government services; (ii) financial and business options to support the programs, including privatization and concession schemes; (iii) technology issues regarding cost effectiveness and the path to standardization; (iv) modeling tools at our disposal; and (v) lessons learned from ongoing projects.