729 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 4.1 ICT Policies in Africa Esharenana E. Adomi Delta State University, Nigeria Stella E. Igun Delta State University Library, Nigeria IntroductIon During the last 20 years, information and commu- nication technologies (ICTs) have greatly provided a wealth of new technological opportunities, with the rapid deployment of both the Internet and cellular telephony leading the way (Sarkar De, 2005). ICTs can serve as potent agents of change (Yamuah, 2005). These technologies have invaded every country that is willing to accept and adopt them. The most important differentiating factor currently is policy. Policy makes a great difference regarding how countries are able to take advantage of the technological opportunities available to them and exploit them for good. Countries with progres- sive policies are seeing these technologies spread quickly. However, countries that are yet to formulate and integrate ICT policy have been plagued by slow growth of technology and the consequent lessening of support for economic and social development (Sarkar De, 2005). Most African countries economies rely mainly on agriculture and a few mineral resources. It is time for African governments to embrace the new trend and agent of change—ICT and develop policies that will enhance the use of ICT as an instrument of socioeconomic development. This important vision which is lacking in most African countries, could be the turning point from poverty and misery on the continent to better the levels of life and happiness (Yamua, 2005). This paper dwells on ICT policies in Africa. It gives the definition of policy and ICT policy, x-rays ICT policy formulation, objectives of African ICT policies, sectoral applications of the policies, ICT policy implementation and future trends of ICT policies in Africa. bAckGround Simply put, policy is a plan of action (Kumar, 1993). A policy is a public statement of intentions and behavior norms that is usually, but not always, formalized and made explicit by a sovereign govern- ment, institution, corporation or other organizational entity (Horton, 1997; cited by Olatokun, 2005). Such official statements set forth a goal, a vision, a direction, organizational values and norms or DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-845-1.ch051