Geographic Information, A Key to Economic Development in Africa

Geographic information, a key to economic development in Africa / Regional Seminar - April 3, 2012 - Ouagadougou

OUAGADOUGOU, April 2 2012/African Press Organization (APO) / - IGN France International and the IGN (National Geographic Information and forestry - http://www.ignfi.fr), in close cooperation with the Geographic Institute of Burkina Faso (IGB), the Economic Commission for Africa, and ESRI, organized on April 3 in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) a regional seminar on the theme: "National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI): what value added for emerging countries? ".


Logo: http://www.apo-mail.org/ignfi.jpg


Program: http://www.apo-mail.org/ignfi_fr.pdf


This seminar comes as more and more aware that geomatics is one of the keys to economic development, many African countries enter into discussions or undertake the implementation of infrastructure projects of national geographic data. Several countries such as Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Nigeria are the forerunners although progress is needed in Africa to raise awareness of the importance of geographic information. Valued, it can indeed improve the competitiveness of state agencies and the private sector, facilitates decision making at the highest level, and optimizes public expenditure in general, reinforces good governance.


But while eager to carry out these projects, most countries face difficulties in mobilizing the necessary resources, whether financial, technical or human. Necessarily the role to be played by motor highest political reluctance or difficulties encountered are often underestimated.


This regional event which will bring together leading decision makers in fifteen African countries and representatives of major donors on this issue, will focus on different aspects to consider in these very ambitious projects that engage successfully . Testimony from several African countries will enhance trade.


By valuing the experience of those who have already undertaken a proactive approach in the field, the seminar will therefore encourage the sharing of experiences. It will also take stock of the road map to follow and the different phases that mark these essential projects, from design to implementation and finally, we will look towards Europe, which he initiated Several years ago this same discussion with the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive.


In addition to the Burkinabe policy makers, delegations from several African countries including Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Guinea, Uganda ..., will travel. Please note the participation of Minister of Infrastructure and the opening of Burkina Faso, Mr. Ouedraogo, the Ambassador of France and Head of Delegation of the European Union in Burkina Faso.


Distributed by the African Press Organization for IGN France International.


Contact

Aude Areste LAMENDOUR

alamendour@ignfi.fr - + 226 72 06 30 65


IGN France International (http://www.ignfi.fr) since 1986 is the international subsidiary of IGN. It is an indispensable interlocutor in its two areas: geographic information (acquisition, processing, modeling) and geographic information systems (installation and integration). It works on all types of projects in the following sectors: land, land use, environmental risks, agriculture ....


Find projects by IGN France International by visiting http://www.ignfi.com


Source: IGN France International

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