Signalling a step towards the implementation of the Pan African e-Network Project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Telecommunication Consultant of India Limited (TCIL). The signing of the MoU solidifies India’s commitment to establish the ground breaking e-network project that will link the African continent with Indian institutions and African governments with each other. The project is being funded by the Indian External Affairs Ministry under its Aid to Africa Budget programme and is expected to cost in the realm of US$ 50 million. With work currently underway, the signing of the MoU will facilitate the continued steady implementation of the project.

When completed the network will connect five universities, two from India and three from the African continent, 52 learning centres, 3 Indian hospitals and 7 African hospitals as well as 52 remote hospitals in 53 African countries. The project aims to facilitate knowledge transfer between India and the African continent through enabling direct contact by Indian professionals with their African counterparts. Furthermore, Indian doctors and academics will teach e-course through the network, enabling their African colleagues to attend the courses and gain valuable knowledge and training. The network will also provide direct Tele-medicine support to select hospitals on the continent effectively lowering operational costs and dramatically increasing the medical capabilities of these hospitals through direct links with Indian doctors.

The Pan African e-Network will connect the continent through Satellite and Fibre Optic Links. Consisting of a total of 169 terminals, the network will have 2 terminals per country to provide the Tele-education and Tele-medicine services as well as an additional terminal to provide direct connectivity between all Heads of State of the participating African countries. The TCIL is expected to design the network, procure and install the equipment and provide support for five years following the completion of the project. After the five year period has lapsed, the intention is to hand over the management and support of the network to a suitable African partner.

The Pan African e-Network Project embodies the best of South-South cooperation and signals a new era of Indian engagement on the African continent. India’s technologically advanced firms are in a prime position to take advantage of the dearth of technological infrastructure on the Africa continent. In fact, Africa is in dire need of telecommunications infrastructure as well as broadband and satellite connectivity. Indian firms have been able to leverage the countries strong relationship with the continent to expand operations into growing African markets. In return, African states have benefited from a marked increase in foreign investment in the continent’s telecommunications sectors and an increase, albeit slow, in internet connectivity.

Through fostering these linkages, the Pan African e-Network Project will go a long way towards improving the conditions of health care on the continent. Participating hospitals will be able to provide specialised medical treatment and care using the knowledge and skills of their Indian counterparts across the globe. African professionals and students will be able to train directly with Indian specialists and academics. And, African leaders will be directly connected facilitating the strong continental linkages, continued dialogue and economically feasible avenues of face to face communication. Ultimately, through projects such as this, the hope is that Africa can reap the many benefits of the information age. Knowledge is power and in todays age connectivity yields access to knowledge.

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