On May 5, 2009, the United States Agency for International Development signed a $1 million host country contract (HCC) with the Afghan Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).  The  HCC will enable the Ministry to improve information and communications technology coverage and infrastructure throughout government institutions, as well as to increase access to information for the people of Afghanistan. 

The agreement, signed by U.S. Deputy Ambassador Francis J. Ricciardone and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Amir Zai Sangin, follows the priorities of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS).  It also supports the commitment made at the Paris Conference to provide more international aid directly to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA). The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is a capable partner that has demonstrated proper oversight of its funding, transparency, and accountability in procurement and project management, and has achieved concrete results that have benefited the Afghan people.   

The HCC will allow the Ministry to develop official websites for key GIRoA institutions and Afghanistan’s 34 provincial governments, recruit and train chief information officers, computerize government processes and procedures, and establish an internet exchange point.  Increased IT capacity and a greater government presence online will improve transparency and the quality of government services available to Afghan citizens.

At the signing ceremony, Deputy Ambassador Ricciardone signaled his support, stating, “The United States is proud to partner with the MCIT in this effort to develop the Afghan Government’s effective use of communication technology.”