www.AfricanOpportunity.com

Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has directed increasing resources to Africa. Through economic and security initiatives, U.S. policy seeks to provide humanitarian assistance, foster democracy and human rights, and support growth and sustainable development. However, U.S. efforts could become more effective by expanding the role of information technology and working more closely with existing regional organizations in Africa, according to Amanda Olson.

In her ESTC Award-winning paper, Olson cites the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as one such organization that shares common goals of economic and political security and could facilitate U.S. aid efforts.

For example, Olson points out, utilizing ECOWAS's existing relationships, efforts, and leaders could facilitate the Leland Initiative — a U.S. government program to increase the Internet capabilities in African countries — as well as security and humanitarian efforts undertaken by the United States European Command (USEUCOM). In addition to administering the African Crisis Response Initiative, which helps train African troops to respond quickly and effectively to peacekeeping and humanitarian conflicts, USEUCOM also conducts medical exercises and other training initiatives.

Founded in 1975 to enhance economic growth in West Africa, ECOWAS has been at the forefront in promoting regional stability and providing humanitarian assistance, Olson notes.

"ECOWAS exemplifies what U.S. policy states it seeks: Africans desiring change and working to create it," Olson writes. "ECOWAS's commitment to both security and economic success, as well as its experimentation with technology in order to achieve this, make its goals compatible with the Leland Initiative and USEUCOM efforts."

Olson cites a number of ways that greater coordination among the Leland, USEUCOM, and ECOWAS organizations could benefit both the U.S. and Africa by promoting peace and supporting growth and sustainable development.

"Increasing Internet connections in ECOWAS states can help to achieve these goals by taking advantage of ECOWAS relationships and efforts," Olson writes. "A more concerted effort by the Leland Initiative to put the tools in the hands of professionals and citizens alike will foster democracy, increase security, and enhance the economy."

While Africa must still overcome the enormous challenges of poverty, disease, and civil conflict, any tools that could impel progress toward a more stable and healthy continent are to be welcomed, Olson concludes.

Olson's paper — "www.AfricanOpportunity.com" — was published as a chapter in Information Technology and World Politics (Chapter 12, pp.161-181, 2002. Palgrave MacMillan Publishing.

Olson wrote the paper using research developed while she worked in the SAIC division supporting USEUCOM.