Habaka (formerly Malagasy i-Hub), participated in a progressive panel discussion last week called “le mirage des technologies a madagasikara” (“the mirage of technologies in Madagascar”). Representatives from three state agencies, a private enterprise, and an NGO actively discussed the state of ICT in Madagascar. Key themes included the need for legislation to promote ICT development. At least seven audience members live-Tweeted the panel. Highlights include:

Madagascar is delayed 5 years compared with Western countries in terms of infrastructure:

#DATA3011 #Madagascar est en retard de 5 ans comparés aux pays occidentaux en ce qui concerne les infrastructures

— Malagasy i-Hub (@MalagasyiHub) November 30, 2012

Mobile penetration is rather high given the circumstances:

#DATA3011 Téléphonie mobile à #Madagascar : Taux de pénétration = 43% et 8 millions d’utilisateurs

— Thierry Ratsizehena (@thierry_ratsiz) November 30, 2012

Consumers lack protection from telecom and Internet services:

#DATA3011 Aucune législation sur la protection des consommateurs dans les services telecom et internet à #Madagascar

— Malagasy i-Hub (@MalagasyiHub) November 30, 2012

In addition:

• Uneven distribution of infrastructure
• Digital divide between regions
• Unlimited Internet is an illusion
• Online shopping from international sites not possible due to lack of legislative framework
• No license for ADSL during transition of Telma monopoly
• Telecoms competition is needed to lower rates

Image of the panel:

Intervenants #data3011 #Antananarivo #Madagasikara #madagascar twitter.com/Lemurland/stat…

— Lémurie(@Lemurland) November 30, 2012

Habaka is based upon three central pillars: coworking, ICT events, and research. The initiative hosts ICT events like conferences and training sessions with the goals being to develop high level networking opportunities for the entrepreneurs as well as to develop capacity in the field of ICT.