CHAPTER FOUR 4. A FRAMEWORK FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION 4.1 Overview The priority issue of ICT policy is the required institutional framework to implement the policy. Because of the across the board nature of the ICT policy, the success of its implementation needs the involvement of all sectors and levels of government, the private sector, civil society organizations and the international community. From this perspective, it is imperative that the Government must create the necessary legal and regularly environment, mobilize public and private sector resources, strengthen and/or setup relevant institutions, and provide strategic leadership for implementing the policy. Strategic leadership is required to coordinate ICT initiatives across all sectors and regions and among all stakeholders involved in ICT development, each with specific roles and responsibilities. This will enhance cross-sectional linkages, optimize synergies and avoid overlapping of efforts, duplicity and wastage of scarce resources. While the Government will assume leadership for implementing the policy, the following are the key stakeholders who will play specific roles expected of them. 1. The private sector 2. Educational and research centers. 3. Civil society organizations 4. Mass Media 5. The International Community, etc The Government will take appropriate measures to facilitate the implementation of ICT at federal and regional levels and to formulate sector based ICT policies, strategies, plans and programs. The private sector is also encouraged to contribute to these activities and play its role pro-actively. 23