By: Ivanine Silva
Creators, promoters, leaders of technological projects and representatives of important organizations, debated this Tuesday (19), about the state and steps to be taken for the growth of the digital economy in the country, in a workshop organized by Angola Cables.
The discussion followed the presentation of Angola Cables’ innovative program, aimed at small internet service providers (ISP’s) in the country, called Acelera Net, and was divided into two panels.
In the first panel, consisting of Cláudio Silva, Lisa Videira, João Baptista, Lurinela Mendes and Kendaz, the context of the digital economy in Angola and its current state were discussed, which according to the participants, is in an embryonic phase, as There are still many questions, few programs for this growth, high internet costs and technological literacy.
Working against the growth of “e-Commerce” are several factors highlighted by participants, such as the lack of connectivity at various points, centralization of the internet and the high cost of internet in the country.
On the other hand, Cláudio Silva pointed out that it is necessary to reduce internet costs, so that “data is not a business, but rather the content generated and made available on the web”. Another solution, this one presented by João Baptista, was the equal distribution of these services, both in large centers and in more remote locations.
In another panel, composed of representatives of organizations linked to ICTs and banking, the need for regulation for the operation of ISPs and more programs for the expansion of the digital economy was debated.
Among the topics covered, the need for regulation for the sharing of infrastructure, the creation of programs to encourage the digitalization of commerce and associations in the sector, were the backdrop.