ACP Science & Technology Programme

Centre for Research in Information and Communication Technology for National Development in East Africa (ICT4NDEA)

Introduction
The centre for Research in Information and Communication Technology for National Development in East Africa (ICT4NDEA) is housed within the Department of Informatics at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA). This Institute was established by the Parliament Act No. 1 of 1990 of United Republic of Tanzania. It offers professional and academic programmes at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.  While the centre is the national heart for ICTs for national Development, also provides a focal point for researchers and staffs regionally.
In one hand, the establishment of the centre came due to understanding that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) forms an essential and integral part for national development. The rapid development in ICT has made, and is still making, a profound impact on national development and society. Information systems are now acknowledged as the important driver for innovation and an essential ingredient for success and growth.
In the other hand, the centre understands that the deployment of advanced ICT in national development is constantly creating new opportunities, as well as challenges. To maximise the potential benefits that ICT can deliver, it is imperative for ICT researchers to understand and address the critical issues associated with ICT for national development.
To balance both hands, the centre  aims:
•    to conduct theoretical and empirical research on issues related to the ICT for development;
•    to facilitate and support other related research activities;
•    to share knowledge and exchange ideas amongst East Africa researchers and with external partners;
•    To solicit for funding to support postgraduate students in doing meaningful researches in ICT4D
•    to encourage and support the development of new research ideas and innovative projects;
•    to disseminate research findings and project outcomes;
•    To serve as East Africa regional focal point for developing and extending research collaborations with external academic institutions.
Research Themes
The Centre’s underlying objective is to help governments, organisations and individuals to effectively deploy ICT  for Development . The Centre aims to undertake high quality and innovative research on ICT for Development from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The research themes cover a broad range of research strands, including:
ICT Education and Educational Technology: Within this theme the investigation of both the teaching and learning of ICT, and the use of education technology as an aid to teaching and learning is heavily researched and disseminated to aid the use of ICTs in both teaching and learning.
ICTs and Innovation: The theme investigates ICT innovations and the use of ICTs for innovation. The Internet, e-commerce, e-government, mobile phones, m-commerce, t-commerce, and emerging phenomenon such as RFID technology warrant investigation as to their impact, adoption, adaptation and diffusion amongst individuals, organisations, nations and the global community.
ICT Management, Knowledge Management, ICTs Project Management and ICTs Development: This theme encompasses much of the mainstream research in ICTs, dealing with issues related to ICT management, knowledge management, the ICT professional, project management, work teams, systems development, ICT security and computer forensics.  Being in infancy in East Africa, the centre’s focus is not only on large commercial organisations, but also on the public sector, health sector, NGOs and SMMEs.
ICTs in East Africa Country Contexts: Although a focus on ICT in developing countries is a theme that pervades almost all our research, in this stream it is given specific attention for East Africa. Issues relating to IT in the context of disadvantaged, underserved and under-represented rural and urban communities and individuals in East Africa are investigated heavily.
Collaborations
We are seeking for collaborations from European, UK, USA and other countries, to foster the ICT4D researches in East Africa.  We would like to have Doctorate students from abroad undertaking researchers in collaborations with our staffs and our students. Any idea will be much appreciated!
Future Events
We are seeking funding and collaborations for the following future events. If you are interested kindly email us
•    ICT4ND East  Africa Conference
•    ICT4D Workshops and seminars
Contacts
While we are in process of developing our own website, you can reach Mr. Titus Tossy, the founder and Deputy Director at hasafrica(a)gmail.com

This post was submitted by Titus Tossy.