MEETING OF SADC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND ICT

Transcription

1 SADC/ICT/MINISTERS/2012 ISSUES FOR NOTING MEETING OF SADC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND ICT La Plantation Resort and Spa BALACLAVA, MAURITIUS 8 NOVEMBER 2012

2 1.0 Adoption of the Agenda and Work Programme 2.0 Report on the Implementation of the Ministers Decisions Télécommunications and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) 3.1 Policy, Standards and Regulation SADC Regional Roaming (SADC Home and Away Roaming) Spectrum Radio Planning, Management and Allocation Review of SADC Frequency Band Plan Review of Guidelines Frequency Spectrum Issues Review of SADC Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulatory Guidelines, Review of SADC Framework for Harmonisation of Frequencies for Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) Proposed Guidelines for Accessing the Unlicensed Spectrum Bands Development of Broadband Frequency Harmonised Plan Review of the SADC Channeling Plan State of Implementation of the SADC Digital Migration Roadmap SADC Harmonised Cyber Security Legal Framework Draft SADC Model Law on Cybercrime Draft SADC Model Law on Data Protection Draft SADC Model Law on E-Transaction/E-Commerce AU Convention on Cyber Security SADC Converged Regulatory Framework (CRASA/SAPRA Merger) Implementation of e-sadc Initiative 1 P a g e

3 SADC e-commerce Readiness Study SADC e-commerce Strategy Proposed SADC ICT Observatory Internet Governance Forum (SAIGF, Africa IGF, Global IGF) 3.2 ICT Infrastructure Development SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) ICT Chapter of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan RIDMP Short Term Action Plan (STAP) SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP); Implementation Plan and Way Forward SADC Regional Information Infrastructure (SRII) Setting of a National and Regional Internet Exchange Points (NIXPs and RIXP) National and Regional integrated Broadband Infrastructure Report on the Status of the Implementation of the Pan African e- Network Project 3.3 SADC Postal Services Development Report Postal Regulation and Policy Postal Development and Operations Postal Development Implementation of Special Parcel Services Regional Electronic Money Transfer Status of Global Monitoring System (GMS) Regional Road Transport Network Project Quality of Service Audit by UPU Postal Service Guide for Mail and Financial Services Outcomes of the 25 th UPU Congress held in Qatar, September P a g e

4 3.3.7 Regional Positions for the 25 th UPU Congress Report on the Outcomes of the 25 th UPU Congress 2012 and Way Forward 3.4 Report on Regional Initiatives Report on the Outcomes of the ITU World Radio Conference 2012 and Way Forward WRC Report and Consideration of the SADC Harmonised Position on the World Conference on International Telecommunication (WCIT 12) Report and Consideration of the SADC Harmonised Position on the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly (WTSA 12) Proposed SADC ICT Infrastructure Investment Summit Review of the SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology SADC ICP ICT Thematic Group Report on the African Union Dot Africa Project SADC Regional ICT Priorities for 2013/ Any Other Business 5.0 Date and Venue of the Next Meeting 6.0 Closing Ceremony/ Vote of Thanks 3 P a g e

5 ANNEXURES TO MINISTERS ANNOTATED AGENDA 1. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/01: Draft Agenda and Work Programme 2. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/02: ICT Decision Implementation Matrix 3. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/03a: Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA I) Report on Status of Implementation 4. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/03b: RIA II Final Report 5. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/03c: Regional Alliance Task Team (RATT) Report to the SADC ICT Ministers 6. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/04a: Revised SADC Roadmap on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) 7. SADC CM/ICT 2012/04b: Report of the 3 rd Broadcasting Migration Forum 8. SADC CM/ICT 2012/04c: Report of the 4 th Broadcasting Migration Forum 9. SADC CM/ICT 2012/04d: Report of the CRASA/SADC Technical Committee 10. SADC/CM/ICT/2012/04e: Implementation Steering Committee Meeting Report 11. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/05a: SADC Model Law on Cybercrime 12. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/05b: SADC Model Law on Data Protection and 13. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/05c: SADC Model Law on Electronic Transactions 14. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/06: Draft AU Convention on Cyber Security 15. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/07a: Report of e Commerce Assessment and Readiness Study 16. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/07b: Report of the SADC e-commerce Strategy and Action Plan 17. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/08: SAIGF Communique 18. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/09: Status of Regional Postal Projects and other related initiatives 19. SADC CM/ICT 2012/10: Report of the WRC SADC/CM/ICT 2012/11: CRASA Report on Activities Undertaken During 2011/ SADC/CM/ICT 2012/12: SATA Report on ICT Infrastructure Development 2011/ SADC/CM/ICT 2012/13: SATA Status Report on SRII Phase I and II 23. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/14a: Digital SADC 2027 ICT Chapter of the RIDMP 24. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/14b: RIDMP ICT Short Term Action Plan (STAP) 25. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/15: SADC Reference Document to the 25 th UPU Congress 26. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/16: Article 10 of the SADC Protocol on TCM 27. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/17: SADC-ICP ICT Thematic Group TOR 28. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/18: Status of the Pan African E-Network Project 29. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/19: Draft SADC Priority Projects For 2013/ SADC/CM/ICT 2012/20: CRASA Revised Constitution 31. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/21: SADC Sub-Regional Preparatory Meeting on WCIT-12 Report 32. SADC/CM/ICT 2012/22: SADC Sub-Regional Preparatory Meeting on WTSA-12 Report 4 P a g e

6 1.0 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND WORK PROGRAMME Ministers are invited to consider and adopt the Draft Agenda (SADC/CM/ICT 2012/01), to be presented by the Secretariat. 2.0 REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MINISTERS DECISIONS 2011 During the year under review the Secretariat embarked on the implementation of the agreed SADC ICT Programme and wishes to present to Ministers a report detailing the progress made in relation to the Priority Action Areas including Model Laws on Cybercrime, Data Protection and Electronic Transactions; an update with regard to the implementation of the SADC Roadmap on Digital Broadcasting Migration 2013; SADC e-commerce Framework; SADC Home and Away Roaming; SADC Regional Information Infrastructure (SRII); and the ICT Chapter of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP). 2.1 SADC ICT Ministers Decision Implementation Matrix Ministers are invited to consider the SADC ICT Ministers Decision Implementation Matrix prepared by the Secretariat, to track progress in relation to the implementation of Ministers Decisions, attached as SADC/CM/ICT 2012/ TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) SECTOR The SADC Secretariat under the guidance of Ministers of ICT embarked on a number of initiatives that have seen the implementation of the Communications and ICT Programme within the context of the Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (1996), the SADC Head of States Declaration on ICT (2001) Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) as well as the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan(RIDMP) that was adopted by Summit, in August The first wave of reform of the Telecommunications sector which came about during the 1900 s resulted in changes to legislative and regulatory frameworks. SADC Member States have proceeded to liberalise the sector and introduce competition. In recent years, guided by the SADC Declaration on ICT the sector is calling for recognition of convergence of ICT technological platforms in accelerating the ability to use the single network to provide a wider range of services and to enable the modification of existing networks to provide such expanded range of new services. 5 P a g e Through the increased use and improved access to ICT services and applications there is now a greater opportunity for the SADC to gain competitive advantage over other regions in Africa and the rest of the world through the adoption of effective legal and regulatory frameworks that would create the necessary enabling environment to support public and investor confidence; ensure stability; transparency; competition; investment; innovation and growth

7 6 P a g e in the ICT Sector to realise the Regions ultimate goals of Regional Integration and Poverty alleviation. 3.1 Policy, Standards and Regulation Review of Guidelines Frequency Spectrum Issues Ministers are invited to note that the SADC Frequency Allocation Plan is the principal policy document for implementation of harmonized spectrum planning, management and allocation for the region. However, regulators do have supplementary regional guidelines on several critical issues surrounding the common planning, management and allocation of spectrum. These several guidelines had been developed in alignment with the SADC FAP. However, it has been recognised that several developments have occurred in the ICT industry and these changes have brought out the need to revise the guidelines Ministers are invited to note that the following guidelines are under revision: Review of SADC Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulatory Guidelines, Ministers are invited to recall that the region adopted the Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulatory Guidelines in The SADC Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulatory Guidelines outlined policy and regulatory recommendations for wireless technologies deployment in the region. Special emphasis was made on VSAT technology and wireless Local Area Networks (LAN) technologies due to their implications for providing access to information and communication. These guidelines have not been updated for the past eight (8) years. There have been technological advancements since 2004 to date and given future technological trends, the need to review the guidelines has therefore been identified Ministers are invited to note that the review the Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulatory Guidelines is ongoing and such review will take into consideration of the factors including, but not limited to the following: a) Dominancy of radio communication as means to broadband access in rural areas; b) The need to determine which technologies will make the most efficient use of spectrum; c) The increase in the rollout, availability and use of undersea fibre networks; d) The availability and use of mobile broadband and IMT advance services as well as new applications such LTE, 4G as well as future services; e) The use of cognitive radio, smart radios, TV White Spaces, Internet of things and other similar mechanism will continue to be studied for future use in other bands as appropriate; f) The Mechanisms of spectrum management such as the use of spectrum parks and wholesale Open Access models; and

8 g) Other mechanisms which may be identified for future use, thus, requiring that the policies and regulations should appropriately take these into account Ministers are also invited to note that terms of reference for the project on the review of the SADC Guidelines on Wireless Technologies Policy and Regulations has been developed and work is in progress. The revised guidelines will be presented to the Ministers for their approval at their meeting in Development of Broadband Frequency Harmonised Plan Ministers will recall that Broadband has transformed the way people communicate. There is a great link between access to broadband and efficient provision for the public health, education, governance, commerce and other socio-economic service delivery. One of the central focuses of SADC is to facilitate universal access to broadband to its citizens. SADC recognises the potential that broadband brings to the region to achieve the much needed socio-economic development Ministers are invited to note that development of broadband requires regulatory support mechanisms that could allow for accelerated investment in broadband networks. One of the regulatory support mechanisms is the assurance of adequate allocation of spectrum to broadband development. Consideration should be made to bring accelerated investment in both the cable-based, wireless and satellite broadband networks in the region. To allow this, there is need for SADC to ensure that it has planned for adequate allocation of spectrum for the deployment of broadband technologies Furthermore, the ever-increasing consumer demand in data-centric services has brought with it a huge strain in the available spectrum. Data services are characterised by a huge appetite for spectrum and this is worsened by the fact that the radio frequency spectrum is a natural finite resource. This, therefore, demands that the scarce resource be managed with utmost efficiency. It is critical that a stock take and audit of allocated spectrum is done in the Region to identify the technologies that can bring accelerated broadband development in an economically efficient manner. SADC is required to analyse the current and emerging technologies and determine which technologies will allow for efficient deployment of Broadband Ministers are invited to note that harmonisation of broadband spectrum use facilitates frequency coordination across borders. Harmonization is vital both in moving the regional economy back into a higher growth trajectory, and in generating sustainable social and economic growth. Harmonization in the use of broadband spectrum allows for economies of scale in deployment of radio equipment, interoperability between technologies and networks, facilitation of coordination among nations, thereby, enabling roaming among networks. In this regard, the Frequency Planning Sub Committee of CRASA proposed for the development of the SADC Broadband Frequency Band Plan. The Plan will 7 P a g e

9 assist the region to easily coordinate radio frequencies across borders, thereby preventing and minimising cross border frequency interferences. The project will include identification of candidate broadband frequencies, assessment of the current cross border frequency frameworks and development of harmonised broadband spectrum plans Ministers are invited to note that the Terms of Reference for the project of the development of the SADC Broadband Frequency Band Plan have been developed and work is underway. The Project is envisaged to be completed by April Review of the SADC Channeling Plan Ministers will recall that the region had adopted the SADC Channelling Plan in The Plan facilitates the harmonisation of radio frequency channelling plans for various fixed and mobile services in different frequency bands throughout SADC. Harmonisation of channelling plans has various advantages for SADC. These include, amongst others, creating a common market for technology, facilitating frequency coordination between countries, promoting effective use of spectrum and facilitating interoperability of international PTP links (those crossing national borders) and mobile networks (allowing roaming by users) Ministers are invited to note that the review of the SADC Band Plan and other guidelines concerning spectrum planning and allocation, there is a need to review the SADC Channeling Plan. This is to align it to all the developments happening in the Region regarding spectrum Ministers are further invited to note that the Terms of Reference for the Project have been developed and the project is underway. The Project is envisaged to be completed by December AU Convention on Cyber Security Ministers will recall that the Extra-Ordinary Conference of African Union Ministers in charge of Communication and Information Technologies meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2-5 November, 2009 requested the African Union Commission to develop jointly with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, a convention on cyber legislation based on the Continent s needs and which adheres to the legal and regulatory requirements on electronic transactions, cyber security, and personal data protection Ministers are invited to note that the aim of the Convention on cyber security is to provide guidelines for the development of legislation on electronic transactions, personal data protection, cybercrime and cyber security by Member States. 8 P a g e

10 Ministers are further invited to note that as mandated by the Oliver Tambo Declaration, UNECA took the lead in preparing the African Union convention. It set up an institutional mechanism and with AUC organized consultative workshops for the five African Union Geographic regions in close collaboration with member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and HIPSSA project. The institutions of the Member States in charge of security and law enforcement as well as members of Parliament and international partners were part of the consultations process Ministers are invited to note that the AU Ministers conference adopted the Draft Convention and directed that the convention should be forwarded to the AU Heads of State and Government through the appropriate channels, for consideration and adoption; The AU Ministers also called upon Member States to ratify, the AU Convention on cyber security and further to establish national cyber legislation Ministers are invited to note the Progress on the AU Convention on Cyber Security SADC/CM/ICT 2012/ Ministers are invited to note that the Draft SADC Models Laws on Cyber Security are in conformity with the Draft AU Convention on Cyber Security. 3.2 ICT Infrastructure Development SADC Regional Information Infrastructure (SRII) Ministers will recall that the SADC Region Information Infrastructure (SRII) is the regional programme to implement regional optic fibre links, terrestrial backhauls, backbones where the objective is to keep SADC to SADC traffic within SADC so as to reduce capital and operational transit costs. All operators and service providers in the SADC region are encouraged to use the SRII and surrounding submarine cables and landing stations to keep SADC to SADC traffic within SADC Ministers will also recall that the SRII was adopted as a SADC Regional Telecommunications /ICT Infrastructure Development Flagship Programme financed through operators bilateral partnerships complimented by financing from institutions like the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), World Bank, and African Development Bank (AfDB) Ministers will further recall that the SADC Region Information Infrastructure (SRII) objectives include: 9 P a g e i. National Backbones design and implementation using broadband optic fibre ii. Regional interconnection using optic fibre iii. Global connection using submarine cables iv. Using similar standards for interconnection and cross connect

11 v. Keeping intra SADC Traffic within SADC The implementation of the SRII started with a feasibility study in 1998 and its implementation in 2000 with the first phase followed by the second phase. Below are details of the two phases: Figure 1.2 depicts the SRII proposed Routing and Landing Stations for the undersea cables. 10 P a g e Figure 1.2 SRII Routing and Landing Stations Ministers will recall that SADC Secretariat reported in the ICT Ministers meeting in June 2011 that the SRII Phase I would be completed by end on The only difference is that the said project now includes at least two links to the submarine cable networks for each SADC Member State (SADC CM/ICT 2012/12-13) Setting up of National and Regional Internet Exchange Points (NIXPs and RIXP) Ministers are invited to note that a National Internet Exchange Point (NIXP) is a physical infrastructure through which local Internet service providers (ISPs) exchange Internet traffic between their networks. The primary purpose of a NIXP is to allow networks to interconnect directly, rather than through one or more 3 rd party networks, thereby reducing the portion of an ISP's traffic which must be delivered via their upstream transit providers, hence keeps local traffic local. The advantages of a NIXP are cost, latency and bandwidth. The National Internet Exchange Points are the neutral meeting points of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The main purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic or national Internet traffic between the peering ISP members. This enables more efficient use of international bandwidth, saving foreign exchange. It also improves the Quality of Services for the customers of member ISPs, by

12 avoiding multiple international hops and thus reducing latency. Most of the SADC Member States have implemented National Internet Exchange Points except a few. With regards to Regional Internet Exchange Points (RIXP) currently most of the regional internet exchange is being done upstream in Europe, America where most ISPs and operators buy IP capacity. Several Stakeholders are involved in the programme to establish RIXPs Ministers are also invited to note that among the fifteen SADC Member States only Namibia, Madagascar, Seychelles and Swaziland have not set up a NIXP Minister are further invited to note that consultations are being held with the African Union Commission (AUC) and they are funding the programme for setting up R/NIXP across the continent. A progress Steering Committee has been set up by the AUC and SADC Secretariat is a Member. The first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 7 th May 2012 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The Meeting needs to start consultations, dialogue and agree where there is need to establish the Regional Internet Exchange Point for the SADC Region Ministers are invited to note progress in relation to the implementation of the Internet Exchange Points 3.3 SADC Regional Postal Services Development Postal Regulation and Policy Development of the SADC Model Framework on Universal Postal Reforms Ministers will recall that changes in the market performance, industry trends and rapid technological developments in the postal industry have led to the need to have a defined sectoral policy, legal framework and regulatory environment surrounding the delivery of the postal services. It is evident that the performance, especially the financial performance, of the public postal operators has been declining mainly due to the late introduction of operational models that could allow for increased efficiency in delivery of postal services. Most of the operators were still using the manual processes and leading to lower quality of standards for services Ministers are invited to note that in recent times in the southern Africa, there have been increased entries of private operators in the postal industry who have targeted the postal market segments which are most profitable and unregulated. This has led to financial loss by the public operators through continued pursuit of Universal Postal Service (UPS). In addition, the public operators were not well positioned to compete with the more flexible private operators who were providing their services using more streamlined and market oriented strategies Ministers are also further invited to note that further, technological developments, mostly in the electronic communications brought in more 11 P a g e

13 12 P a g e efficiencies and cost saving communications. Internet, fax and other electronic communications technologies has provided substitutes to the traditional postal services and products. Despite all these changes, it is still evident that Governments are still responsible for the delivery of the UPS to its citizens. The basic right to communication hinges on the access cost, network density and interconnection. In this regard, CRASA embarked on a project to develop the Model Framework on Postal Reforms in SADC. The initial project phase will provide an assessment report on the existing legislations and regulations regarding reforms of the Postal Markets in Southern Africa and benchmarking will be done in relations to the international best practices. The project will also develop a study report on postal reforms in SADC. The project is being fully funded by CRASA Ministers are invited to note that the Phase One of the Project is completed and the draft assessment report on the existing legislations and regulations regarding postal reforms in SADC is ready for validation. Plans are underway to convene a validation workshop in December Postal Development and Operations Postal Development Ministers will recall that in 2010, SAPOA restructured its decision making process by setting up an Operations Director`s (OD) and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) fora to ensure that the postal network efficiency and sector development issues are attended timeously. During the period under review, the Association s main focus areas were: implementation of new products, evaluation of Regional Projects and preparation of the 25 th Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress content issues. A status of Regional projects and other initiatives is provided as (SADC CM/ICT 2012/09) Implementation of the Special Parcel Service Ministers are invited to note that in line with SADC Ministers resolution 4/2009/SADC calling on postal operators to improve quality of service and to provide value added services to customers, the Postal Operators developed and launched a Special Parcel Service for SADC customers in November The Special Parcel Service is available to customers during special events like Christmas, Valentine and Easter holidays at reduced rates and the service runs for 15 days after the event. As of 30 June 2012, eight (8) operators namely, Botswana Post, Namibia Post, Malawi Post, Lesotho Post, Mauritius Post, South African Post Office, Zampost and Zimpost had started exchanging Special Parcel Service items and the remaining operators will be connected by end of the year Ministers are invited to note progress made on the new initiative by the Postal Operators to meet customer expectations and issues of sustainability

14 Regional Electronic Money Transfer Ministers will recall that in 2009, Postal Operators sought approval to offer foreign exchange service in post offices or run exchange bureaus to ease the plight of the unbanked especially in rural areas. As of June 2012, five designated Postal Operators had obtained licences from Central Banks to offer the service Ministers are further invited to note that the remaining six (excluding DRC and Seychelles) are installing different versions of electronic money transfer using the UPU IFS solution or the software developed by the South African Post Office Ministers are invited to note progress being made towards an integrated electronic Money Transfer Service within the Region and the challenges facing some Postal Operators in obtaining licences to run exchange bureaus Status of the Global Monitoring System (GMS) Ministers will also recall that since 2010, the SADC Operators have been working on a Regional Project requiring a strong interface with the UPU Global Monitoring System (GMS) for purposes of improving quality of service and other compensation arrangements within the UPU rules. Five Member States namely, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Mauritius have acquired the system and are currently exchanging information on their test results. The majority of the remaining countries are either sourcing funds or working with the UPU to conduct site surveys. It should be pointed out that implementing a GMS system is not an option since the UPU has already made a decision that the system will become mandatory as soon as all countries have migrated from the transition to the target (ideal) stage. SADC CM/ICT 2012/09, shows Member States position on the project. It must be pointed out that, this is one Regional Project that requires the active participation of the Regulators because without the electronic gates to measure movement of mail, the Regulators will not be able to do their work and likewise, the Operators will not be able to monitor and improve service delivery to customers Ministers are invited to note the efforts being made by operators to improve quality of service and to urge those countries that have not reached the testing phase of the regional project to provide funds for the purchase of quality of service monitoring equipment Regional Road Transport Network Project Ministers will recall that in 2009, a Regional Road Transport Project was launched during the SAPOA postal strategy conference held at Victoria Falls, 13 P a g e

15 14 P a g e Zimbabwe. Last year, the Operators submitted a progress report which showed improvement in mail service The Operators are currently reviewing the project with a view to adding more options such as the introduction of a SADC post bus and the introduction of more value added service in partnership with the private sector Ministers are invited to note progress being made to strengthening the regional project Quality of Service Audit by the UPU Ministers will recall that during the 24 th UPU Congress held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2008, the SADC community was one of the few Regions to receive quality of service awards by the UPU following the successful implementation of a pilot project. The programme has been strengthened over the last four years and another training workshop on quality of service audit was held in Botswana in April A total of eight (8) SADC Countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) participated in the certification programme and Mauritius was certified gold while the rest obtained silver. The eight countries received their certification awards during the recently concluded 25 th UPU Congress held in Doha, Qatar in October Ministers are invited to note the positive outcome of the quality of service initiatives being implemented by postal operators Postal Services Guide for Mail and Financial Services Ministers will also recall that in June, 2011, the Postal Operators presented new Regional Quality of Service standards that had been approved by the CEOs and advised the meeting of a decision to publish a postal services guide. The new standards came into effect on 1st January, 2012, and the postal service guide will be appearing on the SAPOA Website starting 1 December, Ministers are invited to note efforts and plans being made by Operators to improve quality of service standards and the provision of quality information on postal services to SADC customers Outcomes of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) Plenipotentiary Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the 25 th UPU Conference held in Qatar, September, Ministers will recall that the PAPU Plenipotentiary was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July The purpose of the conference was to review the activities of the Union for the period ended 31 st May 2012 and to elect new Members of the Administrative Council and to conduct elections for the Secretary General and his Deputy.

16 Ministers are invited to note that the conference passed the following resolutions: 15 P a g e I. Approved the next four (4) year Annual Plan and the budget ceilings; and II. Elected twenty (20) Administrative Council Members and the SADC is represented by Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. III. Elected Mr. Younouss Djibrine, a Cameroonian national and Mr Kolawole Raheem Adulojou, a Nigerian National were elected as Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of PAPU, respectively during the plenipotentiary conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July, Ministers will recall that in 2011 a road map on the preparations of 25 th UPU Congress to be held in Doha, Qatar was presented and approved. The key milestones identified in the road map were: i. Production of a SADC congress reference document ii. Setting up of a SADC office and briefing rooms iii. Adoption of a common position on the UPU elections ( DG and DDG posts, and CA and POC elections) Regional Position for the 25 th UPU Congress Ministers will recall that during their meeting in 2010, they had tasked the SADC Secretariat and its implementing agencies responsible for the Postal sector, SAPOA and CRASA, to develop a road map for the 25 th Universal Postal Union (UPU) to be held in Doha, Qatar in September A proposal showing specific milestones to be achieved was submitted and approved by Ministers at their conference held at Gaborone, Botswana in Ministers are invited to note that SADC prepared a document entitled 25 th UPU Congress Reference Document which was circulated to member countries. The purpose of this document was to provide additional information to member countries as they prepared for the Congress, and most importantly, urged member countries to make use of the Congress reference document which summarised all draft proposals to be submitted to Congress Ministers are further invited to note that CRASA organised a preparatory forum for the 25 th UPU Congress, at Epic Sana Hotel, Luanda, Angola on 25 th April, The meeting was kindly hosted by Instituto Angolano das Communicações (INACOM). The purpose of the forum was to come up with a harmonised SADC position on UPU Congress proposals for presentation to Ministers at their meeting in May, The Forum enabled Member States to form common positions regarding the agenda items of the Congress.

17 Ministers are invited to note that as part of preparing the SADC countries for the Congress, a reference booklet was circulated to members to guide them through the congress proceedings and it covered the following areas: (i) The background to UPU and its structure which comprises the Congress, which is the supreme body of the UPU, International Bureau (IB) which is the secretariat, Council of Administration (CA) which is the policy making body, Postal Operations Council (POC) which is the technical body, and finally the Consultative Committee which deals with postal industry stakeholders` interests. (ii) Ministerial Road Map Ministerial Road Map to the 25 th Doha Congress which indicated milestones to be achieved as SADC countries prepared for the congress. a) Congress Proposals and supporting decisions. b) UPU Elections Report on the outcomes of the UPU Congress 2012 and Way forward Ministers are invited to note that generally, the outcome of the congress proposals was in line with the expectations of the SADC region as indicated in the reference booklet. The proposed Doha Postal Strategy was adopted unanimously and the SADC region is now expected to craft its own regional plan based on the Doha Postal Strategy Ministerial Conference 8 th October 2012, in Doha, Qatar Ministers are also invited to note that for the first time in the history of the congress, a High Level Ministerial Conference was held on the 8 th October, The Ministerial Conference looked at the challenges and the future of the postal industry in the developed and developing countries. The debate centred on the need to embrace the use of ICTs for innovation on product development, e-commerce, and financial inclusion Ministers will recall that addressing was discussed and a declaration was adopted calling on countries to make addressing a priority and addressing was a necessary infrastructure for human and economic development. SADC was represented by the Minister of Communication for South Africa, Honourable Dina Pule, and Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honourable Professor Anna Tibaijuka who is also the honorary ambassador on Addressing the World on Addresses to everyone initiative for the UPU UPU Elections Ministers are Ambassador Bishar invited to note that during the congress elections were held as per the UPU Regulations covering the positions of the Director General, Deputy Director General, and membership of the CA and the 16 P a g e

18 17 P a g e POC. Before elections consultative meetings were held within SADC as well as with Restricted Unions such as PAPU, APPU and Arab Region. SADC Ministers were then briefed on the harmonised positions and possible outcomes of the elections Ministers are invited to note that Hussein of Kenya and Mr Pascal Clivas of Switzerland were elected as Director General and Deputy Director General respectively On the membership of the CA three SADC Member States were elected including: Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania On the membership of the POC 7 countries from Africa were elected and the SADC region is represented by South Africa Review of SADC Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology Ministers will recall that SADC ICT Ministers meeting convened in June 2011 in Gaborone, Botswana considered and adopted the amendments to the (Chapter 10 Telecommunication) Article 10 of SADC Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology and also in the form of an Annex undertaken by SADC Secretariat under the HIPSSA project [SADC/CS/ICT 2012/]. Basically, the first approach is a review of the Chapter, including its title to ICT while the second approach entails having an annex to the present Chapter 10 Telecommunications. Conversely, the amendments to (Chapter 11 Postal Services) Article 11 of the Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology were also adopted (SADC/CM/ICT 2012/16) Ministers are invited to note that the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services will now be reviewing the complete Protocol on Transport, Communication and Meteorology in order for the said Protocol to be more effective and have better impact as a whole. The Communications Chapter amendments will form the basis of the collective review of the Protocol SADC ICP ICT Thematic Group The Meeting will recall that the SADC ICT Ministers in their meeting in Swakopmund, Namibia in June 2009 directed the setting up of the SADC International Co-operating Partners (ICPs) ICT Thematic Group. Presently the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services has three Thematic Groups (Energy, Transport and Water). Experience has shown that thematic groups have played an instrumental role in dialogue, collaboration, and implementation of several projects in these sectors. Currently there is a fragmented approach of ICT programmes. That is, SADC Member States are individually implementing ICT projects. There is an urgent need for coordination for maximum impact. ICT Thematic Group would increase resources and hence improve capacity of the sector with ICT programme implementation.

19 Ministers are invited to note that the Windhoek Declaration on the New Partnership between the SADC-ICP Partnership of April 2006 has been reviewed and the recommendations of the study has resulted in the PPRM revising existing thematic group TORs Ministers are further invited to note that the ICT Section is preparing to convene the inaugural meeting for the setting up of the ICT Thematic Group. All the necessary preparations such as TOR for the ICT Thematic Group has been prepared (SADC/CM/ICT 2012/17). 5.0 ANY OTHER BUSINESS 5.1 The Chairman shall invite the meeting to table items for Any Other Business for consideration. 6.0 CLOSING CEREMONY / VOTE OF THANKS 18 P a g e