This paper examines an information strategy for Africa; it reinforces the significant role information services play in securing sustainable development in the African Continent. The importance of having a coherent and systematic information strategy as a tool for donor agencies to respond to the information and sectoral needs of developing countries is discussed by reviewing IDRC's five-year experience with information activities in Africa and its strategic approach. The paper gives a brief account of the history of the development of an information strategy for Africa, a consultative process which allowed the Africans themselves to assess their information problems and prioritise their needs. It then reviews the results of IDRC's post-strategy project activities in Africa and the impact of the strategy on these activities
['Shahid Akhtar', 'Martha Melesse']
Africa, information and development: IDRC's experience