Pan-African e-network project launched |21 March 2009

So far 33 countries have joined the project, which aims to create significant links for tele education and tele-medicine, making available the facilities and expertise of some of the best universities and specialised hospitals in India to the people of Africa.

Eleven of these countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, .Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Seychelles — are covered in the first phase, in which learning centres for tele-education and hospital facilities for tele-medicine are ready.

Nine more countries — Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Malawi. Mozambique, Niger and Uganda — are expected be covered in the second phase by March 3 1, while the rest will be covered in the third phase by June 30.

Mr Mukherjee had a brief online exchange through the network with Erastus JO. Mwencha, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, and with cabinet ministers from the 11 countries, including Marie-Pierre Lloyd, Minister of Health and Social Development.

He described the Pan-African e-network project as a shining example of South-South cooperation and said India has donated a dedicated satellite hub for e-connectivity in Africa to help bridge the digital divide.

The project is also equipped to support e-governance, e-commerce, resource mapping and meteorological and other services in the African countries, besides providing links between the heads of state through a high-security closed satellite network.

Mr Mukherjee urged Africa to take advantage of the full range of services offered.