Nations worldwide have recognized the developmental opportunities and the challenges of the emerging information age characterized by information and communication technologies (ICTs). These technologies are driving national development efforts worldwide and a number of countries in both the developed and developing world are exploring ways of facilitating their development process through the development, deployment and the exploitation of ICTs within their economies and societies. The emergence of the information age has brought to the fore, the important role that information, knowledge and technology can play in facilitating socio-economic development. The effective use of information and knowledge is becoming the most critical factor for rapid economic growth and wealth creation, and for improving socio-economic well-being
