"OECD-DAC’s previous efforts of information collection exercises had already shown that it is difficult, if not impossible, to come up with an overall figure of the investment DAC members have made in the field of ICT for development. The recent attempt has not proved different from the previous ones. Its summary outcome on DAC members’ ICT4D programmes and expenditures is included in Annex 2 and detailed information in Annex 3. Because the financial data are not comprehensive and compatible, the aggregate figure of financing cannot be calculated. However, some reported figures (including some non-ODA) should be highlighted:
• Canada estimates a minimum expenditure of US$ 33 million per annum.
• European Commission has € 250 million commitment of multi-year ICT-specific programmes in addition to € 110 million from the European Development Fund and € 750 million from the European Investment Bank (1999-2003).
• France committed about € 40 million (2002-2005) to global programmes over and from above its country programmes and other facilities.
• Germany at present supports ICT applications with an amount of approximately € 180 million.
• Japan launched its Comprehensive Co-operation Package for bridging the digital divide which consists of non-ODA and ODA funding with a total of US$ 15 billion over 5 years (2000-2005).
• Sweden spent approximately US$ 18 million in 2003.
• The United Kingdom committed ICT-specific programmes and projects, amounting to approximately a total of US$ 83 million.
• The United States estimates its spending of ICT for development at more than US$ 200 million in 2003, and through leveraged or matching outside resources a further US$ 240 million was mobilised." (Page 5)