Edwina Assan of Edtex Limited in Ghana presented on the ICT challenges facing her export company. Some of the key challenges included a lack of technical knowledge among employees on how to properly use and maintain hardware and software. This leads to issues like slow computers and not being able to perform tasks efficiently. Other challenges included a lack of targeted training options, slow internet connectivity that is not affordable, and limited financial resources to continually invest in new ICT solutions. The presentation concluded by emphasizing the need to improve ICT knowledge, access reliable support, obtain faster internet, and acquire additional funding and resources to fully utilize technology.

1. ICT CHALLENGES FACING THE EXPORTER PRESENTED BY EDWINA ASSAN OF EDTEX LIMITED GHANA

2. THE COMPANY EDTEX Started as a sole proprietorship Now limited liability

3. THE COMPANY EDTEX Home and Fashion Accessories Using handcrafted batiks mainly Work force is nine permanent

4. INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY My presentation is on ICT challenges I face daily as an exporter.

5. WHAT IS ICT? Information Communication Technology(ICT), is technology relating to: processing, storing, retrieving and distributing data.

6. Machines like Computers - Desktop, laptop, net book, Three or four- in- one- machines Printers/Fax Scanner Phones, Modems, Camera, Pen drives and all the rest.

7. HOW CAN ICT HELP OUR BUSINESS? Increases efficiency, e.g. email, Excel Improves access to knowledge, e.g. using internet for research Boosts professionalism, e.g. MS Word to write letters

8. Reduces costs, e.g Skype for phone calls Improves business promotion ,e.g. website for advertising All the above increases competitiveness, which will lead to more sales

9. USING ICT Who is Computer literate here? What are the criteria for measuring computer literacy?

10. HOW DOES EDTEX USE ICT? For designing, Filing documents, Sending emails, Checking information on the net(research), Downloading software, Joining business clubs, Marketing our business on the net through our website

11. WHERE DO WE SOURCE ICT SOLUTIONS? Hardware-Computer shops for computers, four in one – telephone, scanner, printer, fax machines, software. Internet Service through Providers(ISP)going online or through Internet Cafes. Free software available online.

12. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT EDTEX FACES?

13. ICT CHALLENGES: KNOWLEDGE Lack of technical knowledge Self taught Different levels of knowledge Basics of the machine parts and capabilities minimal. E.g.

15. Best ICT products and services For example: downsizing pictures to send to customers

16. Storing and getting information out when needed ..........sounds familiar

18. Knowing how to use software Making address lists and grouping Update customers with new products Mail merge Email-sending

19. Care of machines Little knowledge on care of the machines CLEANING THE MONITOR

21. Adding files to our hard drives

22. Out of date free antivirus programs

24. Targeted training Finding training that focuses on my needs as exporter is hard to find

25. Using learning Applying some of the programs learnt at workshops and seminars.

26. Technical support shortcomings Technicians sometimes take advantage of lack of technical knowledge

27. Biased advice from suppliers Different types of recommendation Do not know what is right especially anti-virus

28. ICT ISSUES: TECHNICAL Slow connectivity Getting right internet service provider is a huge challenge Fast Internet connections not affordable

30. ICT ISSUES: FINANCIAL Access to finance Buying expensive hardware may require more cash than is readily available Buying online – use of credit card

31. ICT ISSUES: RESOURCES Too much to do for each employee (Jack-of-all-trades) Procrastination- plan to get needed resources but never get done.

33. Getting reliable help and advice

34. Identifying and getting fast internet connectivity

35. Access to finance and buying online

36. Lack of resources (time and money)