INTERVENÇÃO DE MOÇAMBIQUE POR OCASIÃO DA REUNIÃO DOS MINISTROS DA SADC RESPONSÁVEIS PELAS TECNOLÓGIAS DE COMUNICAÇÃO E INFORMAÇÃO E CORREIOS

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1 INTERVENÇÃO DE MOÇAMBIQUE POR OCASIÃO DA REUNIÃO DOS MINISTROS DA SADC RESPONSÁVEIS PELAS TECNOLÓGIAS DE COMUNICAÇÃO E INFORMAÇÃO E CORREIOS COMEÇO POR ENDEREÇAR A NOSSA SAUDAÇÃO A SUA MAJESTADE O REI DO LESOTHO LETSIE III E A SUA EXCELÊNCIA O PRIMEIRO-MINISTRO DO REINO DO LESOTHO DR. TOMAS MOTSOAHAE THABANE SAUDO AINDA, SEXA, SR. MINISTRO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES DO REINO DO LESOTHO SEXA, SR. MINISTRO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES DA REPÚBLICA DO MALAWI SEXA, SR. MINISTRO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES DO REINO DA SWAZILANDIA SEXA, SR. MINISTRO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES DA REPÚBLICA DA ZAMBIA SEXA, SR. MINISTRO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES DA NAMÍBIA EXMOS SENHORES REPRESENTANTES DE ANGOLA, ÁFRICA DO SUL, TANZANIA, SEYCHELLES E ZIMBABWE SUA EXCELÊNCIA, SR. SECRETÁRIO EXECUTIVO ADJUNTO DA SADC; SENHOR DIRECTOR DE INFRAESTRUTURAS E SERVIÇOS DA SADC DIGNÍSSIMOS REPRESENTANTES DAS ORGANIZAÇÕES REGIONAIS E INTERNACIONAIS DIGNÍSSIMOS REPRESENTANTES DOS MEDIA AQUI PRESENTES EXCELÊNCIAS, TODO PROTOCOLO OBSERVADO i

2 DISTINTOS CONVIDADOS; MINHAS SENHORAS; E MEUS SENHORES; Dirijo-me a esta sala para em nome de Sua Excelência Paulo Zucula, Ministro dos Transportes e Comunicações da República de Moçambique, na qualidade de Presidente em exercício deste fórum que, por motivos de força maior, não pode estar aqui presente neste importante evento que reune os Ministros da SADC responsáveis pelas Telecomunicações, Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação e Serviços Postais. Permitam-me dirigir uma palavra de saudação e de agradecimento ao Povo e Governo do Reino do Lesotho por ter aceite acolher esta reunião e pela assistência e hospitalidade que temos vindo a receber desde a nossa chegada. É opinião unânime de todas as delegações aqui presentes que as excelentes condições oferecidas para a realização dos nossos trabalhos, facilitaram a efetivação plena do trabalho preparatório desta reunião, facto que vai permitir que Vossas Excelências possam, devidamente, deliberar sobre as questões postas à vossa consideração. Gostaria igualmente de saudar o Secretariado da SADC, os Altos Funcionários e agências subsidiárias da SADC e, organizações regionais e internacionais da área das Comunicações e TICs, pelo excelente trabalho realizado nos últimos dois dias, ii

3 trabalho esse que permitiu que a documentação estivesse pronta e a tempo de ser submetida à aprovação dos Ministros. Minhas Senhoras, Meus Senhores, Esta reunião reveste-se de grande importância, uma vez que vamos tomar decisões importantes na área das Comunicações, TICs e do sector postal, áreas que estão a ter um rápido desenvolvimento. O desenvolvimento que estamos a assistir nos nossos países não pode acontecer se não tivermos o auxílio dessas componentes de comunicação. A cada dia que passa, as tecnologias se desenvolvem com uma rapidez estonteante e nós, na SADC, temos de estar unidos numa forte aliança para acompanhar o desenvolvimento dessas tecnologias e, coloca-las à disposição dos nossos países e povos. Este objectivo só será possível com uma solidariedade profícua entre os nossos países e povos; Por isso nesta reunião, a nossa agenda de trabalho contempla debates sobre importantes assuntos tais como: (i) Ponto de situação da implementação do roteiro da SADC para a Migração da Radiodifusão Analógica para Digital; (ii) Projecto da SADC sobre o roaming intra e extra Regional Home and Away Roaming ; iii

4 (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Relatório do progresso sobre a implementação do capítulo das TICs do Plano Director de Desenvolvimento de Infraestrutura regional da SADC; Relatório do progresso sobre o projecto de Infraestrutura de Informação regional da SADC em banda larga; Relatório sobre a transposição pelos Estados Membros da SADC do quadro legal para a harmonização da Segurança Cibernetica no âmbito do projecto HIPSSA; Relatório da preparação para o acolhimento do fórum de Governação de Internet (SAIGF); isto só para citar alguns exemplos. Minhas Senhoras Meus Senhores O processo de Migração analógica para digital é irreversível, dada a natureza transfronteiriça e global do processo. Gostaria de sublinhar que temos de agir rápidamente para acompanhar este processo e, cumprir com os prazos estipulados pela Comunidade de desenvolvimento regional, SADC e pela Organização Internacional das Telecomunicações,ITU. Nesta reunião teremos a oportunidade de nos auto-avaliarmos e reflectirmos sobre se estamos todos em condições de cumprir com este prazo ou não, e traçarmos propostas concretas com vista a rápida implementação deste importante processo. iv

5 Sabemos que os países da região adoptaram dois standards de Televisão Digital Terrestre diferentes nomeadamente, DVB-T2, europeu e, ISDB-T nipónicobrasileiro. Contudo, temos de avançar rapidamente na implementação da TDT. São várias as oportunidades criadas pela Televisão Digital Terrestre, de entre elas está o incremento da competitividade no sector das comunicações electrónicas, estímulo à indústria de conteúdos, com previsível acréscimo da oferta audiovisual, oportunidades de negócio para novos operadores, aparecimento do novo mercado para os fornecedores de serviços interactivos e o acesso privilegiado à Sociedade de Informação. Este processo, traz consigo enormes desafios para os nossos países, começando pela necessidade de garantir o acesso dos conversores (set-top- boxes) a preços acessíveis e criar condições para que os mesmos cheguem à população desfavorecida. Para a materialização deste objectivo temos de refletir sobre o modelo de financiamento para a migração digital e criar um eficiente processo de divulgação da informação sobre a Televisão Digital Terrestre. Relativamente ao roaming intra e extra Regional, gostaríamos de congratular os nossos técnicos pelo trabalho que tem vindo a realizar, recordar que a decisão sobre a necessidade de harmonizar a taxa de roaming foi tomada na na Reunião dos Ministros da SADC responsáveis pelas Telecomunicações, TICs e Serviços Postais, realizada em 2007, em Maputo. É com muita satisfação que notamos v

6 progressos assinaláveis que este projecto tem vindo a registar e, acreditamos que caminhamos a passos largos para a sua implementação que sem dúvidas, irá trazer enormes beneficios aos nossos países e povos. Com a adopção do Plano Director de Desenvolvimento de Infra-estruturas da SADC pela Cimeira dos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da SADC, realizada em Maputo, Moçambique em Agosto de 2012, onde no capítulo das TICs foram identificados vários projectos que incluem o reforço de políticas, dos quadros institucionais e reguladores, o reforço de capacidade e das infra-estruturas que visam a implantação reforçada da espinha dorsal das redes de transmissão das TIC s, Investigação e Inovação, reforço dos serviços postais, implantação de infraestruturas conexas à Migração para a Televisão Digital, Gestão do Espectro de Radiofrequências e a implementação do quadro da e-sadc, são chamados a prestar mais atenção à fase de implementação para o cumprimento dos prazos que constam no Plano Director. Esses são alguns dos assuntos que gostaria pudéssemos reflectir profundamente sobre eles, dada a urgência e a importância que esses assuntos ocupam nas agendas de trabalho da nossa região e dos nossos países. A terminar, gostaria de desejar a todos os participantes um bom trabalho e agradecer à República de Malawi na sua qualidade de Vice-Presidente da SADC por ter aceite presidir esta importante reunião. Muito Obrigado pela atenção dispensada vi

7 Lesotho, aos 23 de Maio de 2013 vii

8 Welcome Remarks By Honourable Tšeliso Mokhosi Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Lesotho viii

9 On the occasion of the SADC Telecommunications, Postal & ICT Ministers Meeting 23 rd May 2013 Lesotho Sun Hotel, Maseru, Lesotho SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Engineer Joao Samuel Caholo, Honourable Christopher Bwalya Yaluma, Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Zambia and Chair of AU CITMC, ix

10 Mr. Isidoro de Silva, Chairman of the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM), Mozambique and Chair of SADC, Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Malawi and Vice-Chair of SADC, Honourable Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT here present, Deputy Ministers and Principle Secretaries responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT here present, The SADC Secretariat, led by Mr. Remigious Makumbe, Director of Infrastructure and Services, Representatives from UNECA, ITU and UPU, x

11 Representatives from ATU, NEPAD NPCA, PAPU and Dot Africa, Chief Executives from SADC Implementing Agencies, CRASA, SAPOA and SATA, Distinguished Delegates, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning and welcome to the Kingdom of Lesotho. It is indeed a great pleasure and also an honor for Lesotho and myself, as the Minister responsible for Communications, Science and Technology for this opportunity to host the SADC 2013 Meeting for xi

12 Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT and also to give these few remarks. I have been made aware that the SADC Senior Officials have been working hard and diligently since Monday the 20 th and I have been following your deliberations, even when I was in office, since I have ICT close to my heart. I hope you have had some time to sample some of our hospitality and interesting weather. If not, you will have the chance tonight and tomorrow to do just that. Ladies and gentlemen xii

13 Our task is to formulate high level ICT strategic directions for the SADC region where telecommunications, postal and ICT will make us more competitive, alleviate poverty, provide SADC citizens access to modern services and competitive pricing, stimulate socio-economic growth and generate more employment opportunities and increase our standard of living. Our sector is a catalyst for growth and there already exists a digital divide which we are trying to bridge. Our ICT and Postal Programme being implemented by the SADC Secretariat has led SADC to become one of the leading economic block on the Continent. I seize this opportunity to thank the SADC Secretariat for that and request that it continues to put that high level of effort. xiii

14 Telecommunications, Postal and ICT developments are continually evolving and improving at a rapid pace. Due to limited resources, developing countries like SADC Member States find it difficult to be abreast with their implementation and therefore we need to prioritize and build infrastructures to ensure that the whole SADC benefits. From our desire to succeed and spirit of collaboration, SADC Member States are leading nations on the Continent in the area of ICT and postal services. We have undertaken reforms in the ICT sector and our ICT markets are becoming more and more competitive. We need to do the same for the postal xiv

15 services so as to stimulate more competition, enhance the portfolio of postal services and improve its Quality of Service. Implementation of SADC Home and Away roaming will bring about a high level on convenience to both the ordinary person and business people alike. The Digital Terrestrial Television will enable more choice of TV content, stimulate the creation of more local content and redefine the landscape of TV programming. Ultimately, the resultant digital dividend will facilitate strategies to develop the rural areas of SADC. Therefore we need to promote more online activity such as e-commerce and also ensure that all stakeholders are protected from fraudulent activities. The global e-market place is a platform for SADC to create more wealth. xv

16 Ladies and Gentlemen, There is a need to continue with ICT and postal services capacity building initiatives through best practice mechanism on various topics and technologies. More importantly, is that we can only monitor the implementation of the SADC ICT Programme more accurately and be able to make more informed high level strategic decisions if we establish the SADC ICT observatory. Lastly, we should continue to meet regularly to discuss and establish common positions and proposed views so that the voice of SADC is articulated clearly on all relevant issues to be xvi

17 discussed internationally. We cannot afford to be left behind. On this note, I wish to acknowledge the spirit of sharing and assisting each other like what Angola, Botswana and South Africa have done in regard to the SADC Digital Terrestrial Television Project Management Office. Thank you. I wish to declare this SADC 2013 Meeting for Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT officially open and wish the meeting successful and stimulating discussions that will lead to the tuning the ICT and Postal Programme to bring about the results our citizens are looking for. Thank you for your kind attention. xvii

18 REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, WORKS, SUPPLY AND COMMUNICATIONS Policy Statement by Hon. Chris B. Yaluma, MP Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Zambia At the Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Maseru, 23 rd May 2013 Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications P.O Box Lusaka 23 rd May 2013 xviii

19 The Guest of Honour, Hon. Tŝeliso Mokhosi, Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Lesotho. The Chairperson,Mr. Isidoro da Silva, Chairman of the National Communications Institute of Mozambique, Honourable Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Civic Education Malawi-Vice Chair, SADC Honourable Ministers Present, The Representative of the SADC Executive Secretary, Engineer Joao Samuel Caholo, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary-Regional Integration, Distinguished Officials and Representatives of collaborating Partners, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to, first and foremost, express our profound gratitude to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to us from the time of our arrival. Please also allow me to extend fraternal greetings to all of you, Honourable Ministersand all distinguished guests and 19

20 delegates. I wish to thank you for your commitment and for being present at this meeting. I wish to take this opportunity, Ladies and Gentlemen to notify you that during the last meeting of the African Union Ministers in Charge of Communication and Information Technologies (CITMC-4) that was held in Khartoum, Sudan in September 2012, Zambia was elected Chair of the Steering Committee and Bureau, and South Africa was also elected to the steering committee to represent the region. As Chair of the African UnionMinisters in Charge of Communication and Information Technologies Steering Committee, together with South Africa, we are keen to see that African Union continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges the continent is facing in a coordinated and timely manner in view of ongoing rapid technological advancements and convergence of technologies. Ladies and Gentlemen, we must own the solutions to our problems. In this regard, we commit to promote close collaboration between SADC Secretariat and the African Union Commission to ensure implementation of agreed developmental programmes. 20

21 I wish to take this opportunity, Ladies and Gentlemen, to inform you that we shall be holding thesteering Committee and Bureau meetings of the African Union Conference of Ministers in charge of Communications and Information Technologies (CITMC) in Livingstone, Zambia during the period 19 th to 21 st June We all acknowledge the important role that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) plays on the social economic development of our nations and the multiplier effect that it has on the development of other sectors of the economy and the overall contribution towards combating and eradicating poverty, a precondition for attainment of Millennium Development Goals. Fellow Ministers, You will recall that during the Maputo meeting in 2007, a directive was made to the SADC Secretariat to work on the mechanism of reducing the high cost of roaming in SADC. Six years down the line we have not addressed the matter. We need to find expedient solutions to address the needs of our people and to reduce the cost of doing business within the region. 21

22 Whilst the migration to digital environment is supposed to lead the world into an information society, it brings with it challenges of Internet regulation and Cyber security, privacy and data protection and online child protection among others.i am glad to note the progress made fellow Ministers, on the development of harmonised cyber security legal framework that includes draft model laws on Cybercrime, Data Protection and E-transaction/Ecommerce. I wish to applaud the support being provided by ITU to undertake transposition of the national cyber security laws of various countries. You may wish to note that during the last African Union Conference of Ministers in charge of Communications and Information Technologies (CITMC) meeting held in Sudan,the Ministers adopted the Draft Convention on cyber Security. I am informed that the model laws adopted by SADC are within the framework of the African Union draft convention. I further wish to mention Ladies and Gentlemen, that whilst there has been substantial growth in Mobile connectivity within the region broadband connectivityhas been very low. We are aware of the immense potential that broadband unleashes in our effort to attain a better society. Therefore, it is necessary for the SADC region to 22

23 have in place an efficient and effective optimal frequency band plan that will promote increased broadband deployment, adoption of new technologies, and provision for other future services. Lastly, during the last African Union Conference of Ministers in charge of Communications and Information Technologies (CITMC) meeting, it was noted that there were few ICT programmes under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). It was resolved to increase the number of ICT projects under the programme. In this regard, the SADC Secretariat is requested to work closely with the African Union Commission to ensure that all necessary candidate programmes under the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) are included under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa. Further, in line with the African Union Ministers resolution, SADC member states are encouraged to start planning to migrate from Internet Protocol version 4 to version 6. I thank you. 23

24 SPEECH MADE BY THE MALAWI MINISTER OF INFORMATION, HONOURABLE MOSES KUNKUYU KALONGASHAWA, ON 23 rd MAY, 2013 AT LESOTHO SUN DURING THE OPENING OF THE SADC ICT MINISTERS MEETING The Guest of Honour, H.E. Minister Siphiso Mokhosi, Minister of Communications, Science & Technology of the Kingdom of Lesotho All Honourable Ministers Present from SADC Member States. Chairman of the SADC Senior Officials Meeting, Isidoro da Silva. Eng. Caholo from SADC. SADC Executive Secretariat Staff. Senior Government Officials from SADC Member States. Representatives of SADC implementing agencies CRASA, SATA and SAPOA. Members of the Press. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. 24

25 GOOD MORNING On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Malawi, the State President, Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda and indeed in my own behalf let me start by paying my respects to King Letsie III, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Communications, Science & Technology and the whole people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for the warm welcome, the excellent facilities at our disposal as well as the offer to host this meeting in this beautiful mountain kingdom. I am informed that the Senior Officials meeting has been greatly successful and as we meet today our work will be made much simpler due to the commitment shown by the officials and the SADC Secretariat. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen We have along agenda ahead of us and I don t intend to do a lot of talking. However, let me say that ICT is a very important aspect in our everyday lives as it is a sector that cuts across a lot of sectors of development hence the need for SADC to prioritise programmes that deal with Telecommunications, Postal and ICTs. Ladies and gentlemen, the role that ICT plays in regional integration and development cannot be overemphasized as it 25

26 would be difficult to execute our integration and regional harmonisation in the absence of ICT applications and systems. However, ladies and gentlemen, despite the benefits offered by ICT s, we also need to guard against abuse and misuse of these resources especially in this era of technology development where the misuse of ICT s can lead to catastrophic effects especially for our younger and youthful generation. It is therefore my wish that SADC will work to enhance the efforts that countries are putting especially in the various fields of ICT s. I am aware of the challenges that we are facing in the areas of 1. Digital Migration. 2. Broadband connectivity (especially for landlocked countries) 3. Reform of the Postal Sector 4. Spectrum Management 5. Universal Access But I am very confident that our professional technicians that have met in the past 3 days have recommended the best efforts to overcome these challenges. 26

27 Ladies and gentlemen, let me also assure the rest of SADC Member States that as the incoming Chair, we will strive to propel SADC to greater heights in order to achieve the goals that our Heads of States and Governments have mandated us to accomplish in line with regional integration and economic development for SADC region. Let me also enhance that we will work and implement all our programmes recognising the overall obligations that SADC has to the African Union. Africa is no longer a land of conflicts but a land of opportunities which SADC countries need to utilise. Ladies and gentlemen, once again am delighted that even before our Chairmanship starts this coming August, you have shown confidence in delegating this duty to us to warm up for the position and I would like to thank the Republic of Mozambique for agreeing to have us chair this meeting on their behalf. I once again thank the Kingdom of Lesotho for the hospitality and wish you all the best during the deliberations for the rest of the day. For those leaving, I wish you a safe journey back home. I thank you for your attention and may God bless you all. 27