The first phase of the Pan-African e-Network was inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister of India in New Delhi on 26.2.2009. So far 33 African countries have joined the Pan-African e-Network project. This project has been gifted by India as a dedicated satellite hub for e-connectivity in Africa to help bridge the digital divide. The project aims to create significant linkages for tele-education and tele-medicine, making available the facilities and expertise of some of the best universities and super-specialty hospitals in India to the people of Africa. The project is also equipped to support e-governance, e-commerce, infotainment, resource mapping and meteorological and other services in the African countries, besides providing VVIP connectivity among the Heads of State of African countries through a highly secure closed satellite network.