Economic and social information systems in support of sustainable development and regional integration in Africa

Abstract

The important role of information in all walks of everyday life has long been recognized. Various types of information compilation form the very basis of any research, analysis, inferences and policy planning consequently, much effort goes towards collection, processing, storage, analysis and dissemination of economic and social information. Due to the recent Information Technology (IT) revolution coupled with advances in the communication networks, the economic and social sectors in the national and international circles are facing challenges to increase considerably the efficiency and timeliness of data capture, processing and dissemination of a diverse collection of economic and social data archives, for the purposes of policy planning, monitoring and evaluation of national development plans and, recently, for development of strategies for regional economic integration. The paper presents brief conceptual framework necessary for creation of viable economic and social information systems with a view to utilization of modern Information Technology (IT), particularly communications networks regarding ease of "connectivity" of such information systems. The role of economic and social information is emphasized in the light of sustainable development and economic integration issues.