History
In early 2006, Afghan Computer Science Association (ACSA), the Afghan ICT Professionals Association, and Afghanistan Reconstruction Group (ARG) recognized the need to form an umbrella Information Communication Technology (ICT) association. ACSA took leadership and commenced activities in 2006. The association was later called National ICT Association of Afghanistan. Formation activities were carried out in partnership with and support from ICT private and public sectors. The first meetings that ACSA and ARG held were with Afghan Telecom, TDCA/Roshan, MTN/Areeba Afghanistan, AWCC, NISPAA, Alcatel-Lucent, AUAF and Kardan University where these major players have shown great support and interest in joining this alliance.
In September, 2006 the NICTAA and ACSA received additional financial support from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The first collaborative meeting took place on December 9 and 10 at Building NICTAA Workshop in Kabul. The majority of the players participated and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Joining and supporting the NICTAA through a collaborative endeavor. ACSA, NISPAA, Alcatel-Lucent and Kardan University signed the MoU as agreeing parties and ARG and World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) singed the MoU as International Observers.
NICTAA was joined by all telecommunication companies in the country, including Afghan Telecom, AWCC, Areeba (now MTN) Afghanistan and TDCA/Roshan. All pledged written commitment to supporting and joining the alliance.
The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and Afghan Media International (AMN) have joined the alliance as founding members.
NICTAA’s strategic framework, constitution, bylaws, charter and procedures were developed by ACSA through the NICTAA Formation Project and accepted and finalized by the members of the Alliance.
On April 29, 2007 the first All Member Meeting was held and the first Board of Directors of the Alliance elected by the members. The Board Members Elected by the General Assembly were: Omar Mansoor Ansari of ACSA, President; Muhammad Nasir Rahimy of NISPAA, First Vice President; Sherwali Wardak of Alcatel-Lucent, Second Vice President; Dr. Frank Petrella of AUAF; Secretary, Ahmad Farshid Ghyasi of ACSA, Treasurer; and Noor Ahmad Hamdard of Roshan/TDCA, Muhammad Aslam Popal of Afghan Telecom; Touba Alam of ACSA and Roeen Rahmani of Kardan University as members of the Board.
NICTAA’s Launch and Oath Taking Ceremony was held on June 14, 2007 at Kabul Serena Hotel.
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