Irish Ambassador to Zambia, Finbar O’Brien, officially opened a Creative Digital Media Forum in Zambia with a call on the Zambian government to create a positive environment for the benefit and growth of the creative media industry in order to maximise the potential positive contribution it can make to the country’s growth.
Speaking during the forum, Ambassador O’Brien reiterated that “the digital media industry has grown rapidly in developed countries in recent years and Ireland is one country that has benefitted greatly in this regard. Now there is a real opportunity for the digital media industry to grow in Africa and Zambia should not be left behind.”
He added that it “is heartening to see that Zambia’s improvements in ICT have been visible with the country being recognised as one of the ten most rapidly improving countries on the ICT Development Index.”
He added that “the creative digital media industry requires the provision of high-speed affordable broadband and also a conducive legal and regulatory framework that facilitates freedom of expression and innovation, and protection of intellectual property, is critical and should be fostered if these developments are to be maintained and accelerated. Strategic Linkages and collaboration between different stakeholders at all levels must be actively pursued to ensure open dialogue, inclusiveness, and shared objectives.”
Ambassador O’Brien said the Forum reflected a continuum of the focus and enthusiasm around the important issue of digital media in Zambia.
“This enthusiasm is timely as we are at a period of changing and rapid developments in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) world,” Ambassador O’Brien said.
He urged Forum participants to view digital media should as a “tool for development in the broader sense through its potential to create employment, and if well applied, improve service delivery in critical sectors such as health and education by enhancing access to information. It is the proper application of the tools that are available to us that makes the difference.”
The Digital Media Forum was organised in partnership between Ballyfermot College of Further Education of Ireland and Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce in Zambia with support from Irish Aid.
Ambassador O’Brien also reiterated Ireland’s commitment to supporting education in Zambia in line with Ireland’s policy for international development is to contribute to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
