Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy of Afghanistan (Draft)

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy of Afghanistan, developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) for the period 2018-2022, represents a critical framework for the nation’s digital transformation. Over the past two decades, Afghanistan has witnessed significant advancements in the ICT sector, which have played a pivotal role in the country’s development journey. In 2002, Afghanistan had a limited telecommunications infrastructure, with just about 50,000 telephone subscriptions across the country. Fast forward to 2018, and this number has surged to approximately 23.65 million. The internet landscape has also evolved dramatically, from an almost non-existent presence in 2002 to a robust network of 62 national and international internet service providers, serving nearly 5.23 million subscribers.

These developments underscore the profound impact that ICT can have on national progress. Recognising this, the Government of Afghanistan remains committed to leveraging ICT to enhance public service delivery, foster economic growth, and drive social change. The 2018-2022 ICT Policy outlines the strategic vision, goals, and approaches that MCIT will employ to achieve these objectives, ensuring that Afghanistan not only keeps pace with global technological advancements but also harnesses them to meet the country’s unique needs.

Vision 2022

MCIT’s vision for 2022 is to create a “digital connected Afghanistan,” where the benefits of ICT are accessible to all citizens, supporting a more transparent, efficient, and effective government, and fostering a knowledge-based society.

Policy Context

The ICT Policy is designed to align with the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF), which is a five-year strategic plan aimed at achieving self-reliance and improving the welfare of the Afghan people. The ANPDF emphasises building a productive economy, enhancing governance, and making strategic investments in infrastructure, including ICT, to promote inclusive and sustainable development across the country.

ICT Policy Goals

MCIT has set forth several high-level goals to guide the development and implementation of the ICT Policy:

• Infrastructure Expansion: Expanding telecommunications and IT infrastructure to ensure universal access to ICT services across Afghanistan.
• Good Governance: Utilising ICT as a tool to improve governance, enhance transparency, and increase the efficiency of public service delivery.
• Economic Development: Promoting ICT as a driver of economic growth, with a focus on job creation and the development of a competitive ICT industry that contributes significantly to the national GDP.
• Social Change: Leveraging ICT to facilitate social change, particularly in areas such as education, health, and rural development, ensuring that the benefits of ICT reach all segments of society.

Strategic Focus Areas

The ICT Policy outlines several strategic focus areas, each aimed at addressing specific aspects of the digital transformation process:

1. ICT Infrastructure: Developing a comprehensive telecommunications and IT infrastructure that includes hardware, networks, communication equipment, and software to enable widespread access to information resources. The policy emphasises the importance of universal access, market-driven competition, licensing and spectrum management, internet development, and information security.
2. E-Government: Implementing ICT solutions within government operations to enhance service delivery, increase transparency, and improve citizen engagement. This includes the development of e-services, mobile government (M-Government) initiatives, and the adoption of open standards to ensure interoperability across government systems.
3. E-Education: Integrating ICT into the education sector to expand access to learning opportunities, improve teaching and learning processes, and enhance education management. The policy aims to make ICT education mandatory in schools and to promote the use of ICT for lifelong learning and skill development.
4. E-Health: Utilising ICT to improve the delivery of health services, including the development of telemedicine infrastructure, health information management systems, and mobile health (M-Health) applications to ensure broader access to healthcare.
5. E-Business: Encouraging the adoption of ICT in the business sector to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and open new markets for Afghan products. The policy supports the development of online business portals, mobile payment systems, and other ICT-based business solutions.
6. E-Agriculture: Applying ICT to the agriculture sector to improve planning, management, and monitoring of agricultural activities, as well as to provide farmers with timely information on markets, weather, and best practices.
7. Digital Media: Promoting the growth of digital media, including broadcasting and social media, to enhance public communication, education, and participation in democratic processes.
8. ICT Industry Development: Supporting the growth of the ICT industry through private sector investment, innovation, and the development of local ICT enterprises. The policy aims to create a competitive ICT market that can support both domestic needs and export opportunities.
9. Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, social status, or education level, have access to ICT services. The policy focuses on addressing the barriers that prevent marginalised communities, including women and rural populations, from fully participating in the digital economy.