Geographical information, one of the keys to economic development in Africa/Region Seminar – 3 April 2012 – Ouagadougou
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina-Faso, April 2, 2012 – IGN France International (http://www.ignfi.fr) and the IGN (National Institute of Geographic and Forestry Information), in close cooperation with the Geographical Institute of Burkina Faso (IGB), the Economic Commission for Africa , and Esri, are organising a regional seminar on April 3rd in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on the following theme : “National Spatial Data Infrastructures: which benefits for African emerging countries?”
This seminar takes place at the time when, while becoming increasingly aware that geographical information is one of the keys to economic development, numerous African countries are engaging in considerations or undertaking the commissioning of national infrastructure projects of geographical data. Several countries such as Mali, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso or Nigeria appear as the precursors, even though progress remains to be accomplished in Africa in terms of awareness of the importance of geographical information. Once this is taken on, it actually makes it possible to improve the competitive standing of State and private sector services, facilitates decision-making at the highest level, optimises public expenditure and, generally speaking, reinforces good governance.
But, while wishing to bring these projects to a satisfactory outcome, most countries are finding it difficult to mobilise the necessary resources at financial, technical or human levels. The driving role that must be played at the highest level in politics, and also the reticence found, are difficulties which are often under-estimated.
This regional exhibition, which will bring together top ranking decision-makers from more than fifteen African countries, and the representatives of the major funding providers on this subject, will be interested in the different issues to be taken into consideration so that these very ambitious projects can take off successfully. The witnesses of several African countries will enrich the exchanges.
While enhancing the experience of those who have already undertaken a voluntary position in this field, the seminar will therefore encourage the sharing of experiences. It will also make it possible to highlight the road to be followed on the different essential phases that characterise these projects, from design to commissioning, and finally, it will allow us to explore the point of view of Europe, which initiated this very consideration a few years ago with the commissioning of the Inspire directive.
In addition to the decision-makers of Burkina Faso, delegations of several African countries including Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Guinea, Uganda etc., have already confirmed their participation. The participation of the Minister of Infrastructures and Access of Burkina Faso, Mr. OUEDRAOGO, the Ambassador of France and the chief of the Delegation of the European Union in Burkina Faso will be among the highlights of the event.
Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of IGN France International.
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