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Transform the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications into the Ministry of Science, Information, and Communications Technology By: Dr. Darren Wilkins  For several years, we have advocated for changes to be made to our Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. ICT cut across all sectors and is considered a catalyst for national development. One of the many changes we have advocated for is the transformation of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT) to the Ministry of Science, Information, and Communications Technology (MoSICT). Evidently, the rapid evolution of technology in the 21st century has brought about unprecedented advancements that have changed the way nations communicate, access information, and conduct scientific research. To adapt to this dynamic model, the transformation of the traditional Ministry of Post and Telecommunications into the Ministry of Science, Information, and Communications Technology (ICT) emerges as a strategic imperative. This article is a direct response to the positive feedback garnered from a recent Facebook post on the aforementioned topic. Within these lines, I aim to provide a compelling rationale for this transition, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to technology and national development. Before going further, let me make it clear that the renaming of the ministry is more than a semantic change; it reflects a strategic shift towards a comprehensive and holistic vision of technology. By embracing “Science, Information, and Communications Technology,” the ministry positions itself at the vanguard of technological convergence, acknowledging the interconnectedness of scientific innovation, information management, and communication infrastructure. In a world progressively driven by digitalization, the existing focus on postal and telecommunication services becomes limited. A Ministry of Science, Information, and Communications Technology positions itself to spearhead the nation’s transition into the digital age, catering to the diverse technological needs of citizens, businesses, and government agencies. Moreover, the inclusion of “Science” in the ministry’s title underscores a commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation. This shift is vital for staying competitive in the global arena, encouraging the development of cutting-edge technologies, and positioning the nation as a hub for scientific discovery and technological advancement. An integral aspect of the ministry’s expanded mandate is the emphasis on building an inclusive information society. Beyond the traditional postal and telecommunication services, the ministry will actively contribute to initiatives that bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and ensure that the benefits of technology are accessible to all segments of society. No doubt, the Ministry of Science, Information, and Communications Technology can play a vital role in leveraging technology to drive economic growth. By expanding its focus beyond telecommunications, it can strategically plan and implement policies that harness the economic potential of emerging technologies, advancing innovation-driven economic development. Another justification for renaming the MoPT to MoSICT is that it aligns the nation with global trends, where governments worldwide are adapting their technological portfolios to encompass a broader range of advancements. This alignment enhances international collaboration, facilitates technology transfer, and ensures the nation remains relevant in the global technological spectrum. It is also important to note that the consolidation of science, information, and communications technology under a single ministry promotes efficient resource utilization. It allows for streamlined governance, effective coordination of technological initiatives, and maximizes the impact of investments in research, infrastructure, and digital services. A few years ago, during a conversation with the late Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, who was Chairman of the Governance Commission at the time, I broached the topic of transforming the MoPT to MoSICT. While he embraced the idea, he spent more time educating me about the gestation period. Dr. Sawyer insinuated that the gestation period for converting a ministry, such as the MoPT, to a new entity like the MoSICT can vary significantly. The timeline for such a transformation depends on various factors, including the specific goals, administrative processes, legal considerations, the level of support from stakeholders, infrastructure and resource alignment, technological integration, capacity building, and most importantly, political will and support. Dr. Sawyer is gone now. It is my hope that his successors will see wisdom in the idea and ensure we make the change. Let me end by restating that the transformation of the MoPT into the MoSICT will mark a crucial moment in the nation’s technological journey. This strategic shift positions the ministry at the forefront of global technological trends, advances innovation, promotes digital inclusivity, and drives economic growth in the digital age. As Liberia adapts to the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, this transformation underscores a commitment to a future where science, information, and communication technology converge for the benefit of all. The transformation of the MoPT into the MoSICT is essential to align the ministry’s scope with the evolving spectrum of modern technology and information systems. This change reflects the growing interconnectedness of science, information, and communication technologies in driving socio-economic development. That’s it for today. Until next week, Carpe diem!

Exploring the Crucial Roles and Functions of Liberia’s ICT Triad (MPT, LTA, and LTC); as Enshrined in the Telecommunications Act of 2007 By: Dr. Darren Wilkins  The Liberian Telecommunications Act of 2007 is comprehensive legislation that delineates the roles and responsibilities of key entities in the country’s ICT sector. It designates the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) as “The Policy Maker,” responsible for formulating national ICT policies, promoting digital literacy, and facilitating international collaborations. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is designated “The Regulator,” tasked with ensuring fair market practices, protecting consumer rights, and addressing cybersecurity concerns. The Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) is identified as “The Operator,” responsible for expanding and maintaining the national telecommunications infrastructure, providing reliable services, and contributing to national development through ICT initiatives. The act serves as a legal framework guiding these entities toward coordinated efforts to advance Liberia’s ICT sector.  Over the years, I have contributed several articles to provide insight into the roles and functions of the major players in Liberia’s ICT sector. My motivation stems from the observation that many Liberians lack clarity about the specific roles of different entities in the sector. For instance, there’s a tendency to hold the MPT accountable for issues related to GSM operators’ services, and confusion often arises between the responsibilities of the LTA and LTC. In today’s article, my aim once again is to elucidate these distinctions and outline the roles and functions of each player of Liberia’s ICT “Triad,” which includes the MPT, LTA, and LTC. I will begin with the MPT, which oversees the sector.  The MPT, which is the head of the sector, is considered “The Policy Maker” as enshrined in the National Telecommunications Act of 2007. The MPT is at the helm of Liberia’s ICT policy and strategy. As the primary policy-making body, MPT is entrusted with crafting and implementing frameworks that guide the nation’s ICT development. The MPT focuses on long-term vision, ensuring that Liberia leverages the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth and societal advancement. The MPT has certain core functions, including formulating national ICT policies and strategies, overseeing the development and implementation of e-government initiatives, promoting digital literacy and inclusion, facilitating international collaborations for technology transfer, and addressing regulatory and legal frameworks governing the ICT sector.  While MPT’s core responsibility is to craft comprehensive ICT policies and strategies, it has over the years been faced with several challenges. These challenges arise in the formulation and effective implementation of policies that align with the dynamic nature of technology. Adapting to emerging trends, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), requires continuous policy evolution, posing a significant challenge.  Furthermore, overseeing the development and implementation of e-government initiatives necessitates robust frameworks that enhance government services through technology. MPT has faced challenges in ensuring the seamless integration of digital solutions across government entities, leading to gaps in the effectiveness of e-government programs.  The LTA is designated as enshrined within the Telecommunications Act of 2007, “The Regulator.”. Serving as the regulatory arm of Liberia’s ICT sector, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) plays a critical role in maintaining a fair, competitive, and innovative telecommunications environment. LTA’s focus is on safeguarding consumer interests, promoting healthy market competition, and ensuring that ICT services are accessible to all citizens. There are few fundamental functions of the LTA including but not limited to: issuing and managing licenses for telecom operators; enforcing regulations to guarantee fair market practices; allocating and managing frequency spectrum; protecting consumer rights and ensuring service quality; and monitoring and addressing cybersecurity concerns.  The MPT formulates policies governing the management of government-owned resources, which are subsequently regulated by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). Among these resources is the spectrum, a crucial element for all wireless communications. Given the naturally limited quantity of usable spectrum, and with the expanding use of mobile technology relying on the electromagnetic spectrum, market demand is substantial. The LTA is tasked with optimizing the utilization of this finite resource to achieve its highest and best use.  On the other hand, the rapid evolution of technology presents challenges in adapting regulatory policies to keep pace with advancements. To ensure we achieve our national social and economic goals, the LTA must continually update its regulatory framework to address emerging technologies, such as 5G, IoT, and AI, which can pose challenges in terms of policy formulation and enforcement.  The LTC is designated “The Operator” by the Telecommunications Act of 2007. As the national telecommunications service provider, the LTC is responsible for delivering reliable and efficient communication services across the country. LTC acts as a key player in building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure to connect communities, businesses, and government institutions. Some key functions of the LTC are: expanding and maintaining the national telecommunications infrastructure; Providing reliable voice and data services; facilitating connectivity in remote and underserved areas; contributing to national development through ICT initiatives; and collaborating with international partners for technology exchange.  Over the years, the LTC has struggled to achieve its mandate as enshrined in the Telecommunications Act of 2007. This is due to the plethora of challenges the entity faces. A major challenge faced by the LTC is the lack of financial resources to operate the entity. Adequate funding is crucial for LTC to execute its mandate effectively. Financial constraints, budgetary limitations, and competing priorities have hindered the corporation’s ability to make essential investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital.  The LTC continues to struggle with expanding and maintaining the national telecommunications infrastructure. This includes issues related to outdated technology, insufficient investment in network expansion, and difficulties in reaching remote and underserved areas. These challenges have hampered LTC’s ability to provide seamless and widespread communication services. Also, consumers have expressed concerns regarding the reliability of LTC’s services. Downtime, network outages, and service interruptions have been reported, impacting both individual users and businesses. These issues not only affect the quality of service but also hinder LTC’s effectiveness in meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The

Revitalizing Liberia’s ICT Sector: The Road Ahead  By: Dr. Darren Wilkins  A few days ago, we elected a new government to govern the nation for the next six years. Even though they say “government is continuity,” almost every government comes with its own agenda that makes fundamental or superficial changes to policies and projects of the previous government.   Moreover, in the era of rapid technological advancement, a robust Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is essential for the socio-economic development of any nation. Liberia stands at a critical stage where revitalizing its ICT sector can catalyze progress and open new horizons.  As a new government takes over, we anticipate strategic planning, investments, and a collective commitment to harness the transformative power of technology.  Revitalizing our ICT sector initially requires a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape. Other crucial steps that must be taken include an evaluation of our existing infrastructure, digital literacy levels, and regulatory frameworks. Identifying strengths and weaknesses will provide a roadmap for targeted interventions. These steps will help pave the way for a thriving ICT sector.   Upon evaluating the areas mentioned above, some action will need to be taken to ensure the sector is revived to a point where it can boost socio-economic development. One area that requires action is our ICT infrastructure. A solid ICT infrastructure forms the backbone of technological progress. We must invest in expanding and upgrading its telecommunications networks, ensuring reliable and high-speed internet connectivity across urban and rural areas. Infrastructure development is not just about connectivity; it includes the establishment of data centers, cybersecurity measures, and the integration of emerging technologies.  Another area that requires action is digital literacy. Empowering the population with digital literacy is fundamental to the success of any ICT-driven initiative. We need to implement comprehensive programs that equip citizens with the skills to navigate the digital landscape, fostering a tech-savvy workforce capable of contributing to a knowledge-based economy. We can do this by empowering the University of Liberia and other tertiary, vocational, and high schools. Investing in digital literacy programs at the high school level will help us build a critical mass that will jumpstart a digital economy. Encouraging entrepreneurship and fostering innovation are catalysts for economic growth. We should create an environment conducive to tech startups by offering incentives, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and academia can establish innovation hubs and incubators that nurture homegrown talent. One area that innovation hubs in Liberia could improve is artificial intelligence. Over the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has come to be regarded as the next important step in the ICT revolution. AI can be defined as the use of machines and software developed with specific techniques and approaches for a given set of human-defined objectives, generating outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence the environments with which they interact. AI systems are able, for example, to substantially improve the efficiency of production processes for goods and services when “fed” good-quality, relevant (training) data. AI is considered a general-purpose technology (like the steam engine, electricity, and computers before it) with a wide variety of applications in many industries and sectors.   The remainder of this paper is devoted to explaining the AI productivity paradox and, in doing so, providing some policy recommendations on how to increase innovation and knowledge spillovers in order to revive productivity growth. As a government operating in the 21st century, we expect the new government to ensure that it meets the standards of a quintessential 21st century government, which is characterized by the systematic adoption of electronics, telecommunications, and computers to disrupt the traditional governance models. This disruption provides greater efficiency in the governance process as well as novel possibilities and modes of communication. Hence, the adoption of e-government solutions to streamline public services, enhance efficiency, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles is a must for the new Unity Party-led government. We should prioritize the development of digital platforms for service delivery, e-health, e-education, and e-agriculture. Such initiatives not only improve citizen engagement but also contribute to transparency and accountability.  Now,  as Liberia embraces the digital age, it must fortify our defenses against cyber threats. Establishing robust cybersecurity measures, including the training of professionals and the implementation of stringent regulations, is paramount to safeguarding critical infrastructure and data. Previous governments made strides in this area, but there’s a need for a new government to act swiftly and expeditiously to ensure a robust cybersecurity regime exists. This means that the cybersecurity law that has been drafted and sent to the Legislature needs to be revisited, revised, and subsequently passed into law as soon as possible.   Another way to revive our ICT sector is to continue collaboration on the international stage. This can bring invaluable support and expertise. We should continue to engage in partnerships with global organizations, neighboring countries, and tech giants to leverage knowledge exchange, funding, and best practices. International collaboration can accelerate the pace of ICT development and position Liberia on the global tech map.  Reviving the sector must also ensure inclusive access to ICT. This is essential for bridging socio-economic gaps. We must implement policies that promote affordability, accessibility, and digital inclusivity. Initiatives such as community digital centers can facilitate ICT access for marginalized communities.  Continuous advances in ICT technologies have led to a new digital reality where new sectors, products, and services have been developed in a rapid digitalization of the world economy, with high-level automation a popular industrial and business practice.  Finally, resuscitating Liberia’s ICT sector requires a holistic and multi-dimensional approach. The road ahead involves a strategic blend of infrastructure development, digital literacy initiatives, entrepreneurship support, e-government solutions, cybersecurity measures, international collaboration, and inclusive connectivity. By embarking on this transformative journey, we can harness the full potential of ICT to drive economic development, foster innovation, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. The time to act is now, and with concerted efforts, we can position our nation as a tech-driven nation on