Distr.

LIMITED

COM/INFRA/ICT-HLPF/I/4
September 2004

Original: ENGLISH

COMMON MARKET
FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

Kigali, Rwanda
1 - 3 September 2004

DRAFT

HIGH LEVEL ICT POLICY FORUM

02-(smz)
A. INTRODUCTION

1. The COMESA High Level ICT Policy Forum held from 1 st to 3rd September
2004 at Hotel Intercontinental, Kigali, Rwanda.

B. ATTENDANCE, OPENING OF THE MEETING, ADOPTION OF

THE AGENDA AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK

Attendance

2. The High Level ICT Policy Forum was attended by delegates from Burundi,
Comoros, Djibouti, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The
representatives of EAC, UNECA, USAID/REDSO/ESA, IGAD, ITU, WTO,
WDR, MTN, ADB, Dimension Data, FCC, IBM, CATIA also attended the
forum. The list of participants is attached as Annex ...

Opening Ceremony (Agenda item 1)

Welcome Remarks by Honourable Eng. Sam K. Nkusi, Minister of

State, Energy and Communications

The Minister of Energy and Communications began its remarks by welcoming all the
delegates to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills and volcanoes.

He noted it was important for Rwanda to host this important high level ICT forum. He
further indicated that such a forum is timely in the sense that it provides a unique
opportunity of sharing and exchanging experiences. It was important to compare
several ICT national ICT services.

In conclusion he invited all participants to join efforts to harmonise policies and

regulators and regulators for the benefit of the whole region.

Speech by Mr. Erastus J.O. Mwencha, MBS Secretary General of

COMESA

Mr. Mwencha welcomed the participants to this important forum on ICT Policy issues.
He thanked the President of the Republic and through him the people of Rwanda the
warm welcome and the hospitality extended to all.

Mr. Mwencha continued by noting the appreciable steps made by Rwanda in policy
development towards the creation and strengthening of a solid ICT industry. He
observed that the COMESA region is lagging far behind compared to other parts of
the world, a situation that dictates the urgent need of creating an attractive
environment for foreign investors in the ICT sector.

Mr Mwencha continued his remarks by recalling the objective pursued by COMESA

that is promoting economic growth and sustainable development and to improve the
standards of living of the people of the region.

He further indicated that the ICT programme under implementation with the kind
support of cooperating partners covers the aspects of infrastructure development,
policy and regulatory reforms, and development of ICT services.

In concluding, he expressed his sincere gratitude of behalf of COMESA Secretariat to

the cooperating partners who support the project, with a particular note to USAID
who accompanied the whole process since its inception in 1998.

Opening Statement by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of

the Republic of Rwanda

His Excellency, Mr Paul Kagame, President extended his warm welcome to all the
delegates in the capital city of Rwanda. He indicated that ICT policy reforms targeting
the development of infrastructure, regulatory reforms and capacity building were are
being implemented, with the ultimate objective of transforming Rwanda in knowledge
and Information based society.

He highlighted unique growth pole of the 21 st century that is ICT Networks and
services, and invited all the government to motivate a competition-based supply of
various type of ICT services.

His Excellency Mr Paul Kagame took this opportunity to note that his country was
privileged to host such a high level ICT forum which provide a unique framework of
exchanging views and opinions on matters of common interest, while reinforcing the
ground for regional cooperation in ICT sector.

He concluded by thanking the cooperating partners for their continuous support and
urged all the ICT industry stakeholders to work hard in order to close the digital divide
within the region. He then declared the High Level ICT Policy Forum officially
opened.

Adoption of the Agenda and Organization of Work (Agenda item 2)

1. Opening of Forum
2. Adoption of Agenda and Organization of Work
3. Policy Makers Perspective on ICT Policy :Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda,
Malawi and Comoros
4. International and Regional Experience on ICT Policy: ITU, ECA,
EAC, USAID, WTO and WDR
5. National Experience in ICT Infrastructure Development: Burundi,
Sudan, Swaziland and COMTEL
 6. Investors and Financial Institutions Perspective on ICT Policy:
DETECON, ADB and Dimension Data
7. Regulators’ Role: FCC, Zimbabwe, Uganda/ARICEA, Kenya,
Sudan
8. Consideration of Progress on Implementation of ICT Policy
9. Presentations on E-applications: InterNews, Mauritius, Madagascar and
COMESA
10. Presentation on IT Technologies: Microsoft, ATDI, HP and
CATIA
11. Consideration of E-strategy
12. Way Forward
13. Adoption of the Report and Closure of the workshop

Organization of Work

The meeting adopted the following hours of work:

Wednesday 1st September 2004 : 08.00 hours to 17.00 hours

Thursday 2nd September 2004 : 08.00 hours to 17.00 hours
Friday 3rd September 2004 : 08.00 hours to 17.00 hours

C. ACCOUNT OF PROCEEDINGS

Policy Makers Perspective on ICT Policy :Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda,

Malawi, and Comoros (Agenda item 3)

MALAWI

The Deputy Minister of Information and Tourism of Malawi Mr. Henry Mumba, MP,
made a presentation on status of Information and Communication Technology in
Malawi. He indicated that the process started in 1998 have seen the setting up of an
institutional set up that entails the elaboration of an ICT policy and an Act enabling
full liberalization along with the set up of the Regulatory authority, Malawi
Communication Regulatory Authority. Following these developments, number of
players have entered the ICT market mostly concentrated in urban area. He further
indicated that there are challenges in terms of geographical distribution, policy
direction, financial and human resources.

The speaker gave a sample of projects undertaken in various sectors and noted the
low level of effective integration of ICTs . The constraint with the most significant
impact in Malawi is identified as the lack of the National Focal Point for ICT
development, implementation and monitoring. Mr. Mumba concluded his
presentation by expressing the request of assistance in this area from cooperating
partners.
COMOROS

The Minister of Honourable Houmed Msaidie of Comoros presented the new ICT
National Policy of his country. He indicated that the process of developing the ICT
Policy started in December 2003 by brainstorming sessions that led to determination
of the status of NICT. Followed a certain number of institutional reforms that include
the implementation of poverty reduction strategy, posts and telecommunications
restructuring amongst others.

Honourable Houmed Msaidie indicated that the Government of Comoros further

adopted a national strategy for NICT development for the period 2004-2007
elaborated with the support of ECA. That strategy includes capacity building,
designing and implementation of Information Systems and strategic decision making
for the socio-economic development and the Integration of Comoros in regional and
global information economy.

In concluding, Honourable Houmed Msaidie identified areas of assistance from

cooperating partners in the implementation of the said strategy mainly in providing
modern infrastructure for better public services delivery and the expansion of e-
services throughout the country, including the promotion of tele medicine as a way of
widening access to health care to all layers of the population.

Kenya

The Minister of Information & Communication of Kenya, Honourable Raphael Tuju,

shared with the participants the Kenyan experience in developing and implementing
ICT Policy changes. He said that the challenge for the Government of Kenya is to
empower all the people with the capacity and the ability of meeting the 21 st century
requirements. For this to happen, the Government identified, Honourable Tuju said,
creating an efficient policy and regulatory environment, improving
telecommunications infrastructure along with access costs reduction, human capacity
building extended to integration of ICT in education system and improvement
information sharing and flow among public, private institutions and the citizen.

Honourable Tuju ended his presentation by presenting the picture of the ICT industry
of Kenya and outlined the regional projects like RASCOM and COMTEL in which the
government is committed. He made a note of the fact that these regional projects
take long time before reaching the operational stage with the risk of losing interest
and focus due change in matter of technology, policies and regulations, as well as
the status of the international ICT market trend.

Uganda

Honurable John Nasasira presented a paper on policy makers’ perspective on ICT

Policy. His presentation was focused on the following topics: definition of ICTs, need
for ICT Policy, ICT Constraints & ICT Challenges, addressing the challenges,
regional & international ICT initiatives, ICT opportunities and advantages, outcome of
sector reforms, network growth in Uganda.
Honurable John Nasasira indicated that the ICT Policy is needed to develop a
framework to guide inward investment and attract investors, stimulate industrial
growth, commerce and infrastructure networking at national and regional levels to
accommodate the continuously increase of information flow, new content requiring
more bandwidth, and to meet new requirements of management and good
governance with the active participation of the public and the private sectors.

The low penetration of ICT services and applications being the main challenge with
the region, Honurable Nasasira expressed his view that each country should come
up with detailed sector-Specific policy and regulations, Master Plan supported by a
realistic coordination.

With regard to regional and international ICT initiatives, he indicated that the
proposed East African Submarine Cable System (EASS) will provide the last link to
completely encircle Africa by high capacity optic fibre telecommunications networks.

He concluded by expressing the continuous need to share experience and

information within the region in frameworks like this ICT High Level Forum, where
participants should verify whether they have a common vision, mission and strategy
to achieve the regional development goals.

Rwanda

Honourable Sam Nkusi, Minister of State, Energy and Communications

Republic of Rwanda made a presentation on ICT Policy for development. He
described the Rwanda process of developing ICT Policy and the mechanisms of its
implementation on policy and institutional set up, infrastructure development and ICT
services provision and development with the view to achieve an accelerated socio-
economic development the Rwanda’s Vision 2020 that is “ transforming the Rwanda
economy into an Knowledge an Information based economy.

On the human capacity development presented as the key element of the overall
development goals, Mr. Sam presented some of the programmes initiated including
SchoolNet project, creation of a regional ICT Training Center, Distance Learning, etc
implemented with the precious but yet needed support from cooperating partners.

The participants had the opportunity to learn from the Rwanda on some case
examples on Human Capacity Development, community/rural telephony, Universal
Access, value added services. The local assembly was also mentioned as a way of
reducing the acquisition cost and then increasing the affordability.

Participants raised some issues about the reduction of the bandwidth cost that impact
negatively the affordability of Internet Services, it was indicated that this relies on the
speed of development of missing fiber links to join the international submarine
International network, and that efforts were being coordinated within East African
Community.
For the sustainability of community telecenters, and the effectiveness on a multi-
sectoral regulatory agency, responses were given according to the local experience.

International and Regional Experience on ICT Policy: ITU, ECA,

EAC, USAID, WTO and WDR (Agenda Item 4)

ITU

The ITU structure and membership were presented as well as the support and tools
for regulators and policy makers. It also presented how the national ICT policy was
developed as well as its liberalization and privatization taking into account the African
countries experience which showed that access network was poorer, slow service
and technological innovation associated with competition which may bring the price
down.

ECA

Since 1996 the ECA initiated the African Information Society Initiative, its mission
was to address Africa’s ICT development challenges.

Its activities were among other ICT policies, information and knowledge development,
Outreach web/newsletter/e-discussions, partnership and networking.

E-strategy development perspectives is regional policy of RICI (Regional Information

and communication infrastructure, taking into account policy shaping , new forms of
work and business, new markets, trust and confidence.

East African Community Secretariat (EAC)

The role of ICT is to reduce poverty in the fastest way. The presenter reported that
EAC is developing harmonized policies and regulatory frameworks.

Persisting challenges:

 lack of policy framework for licensing regional communication companies, and

lack of regional communication carriers regulators;
 poor rural communications;
 lack of backbone infrastructure; and
 high tariff and others related challenges.

On going efforts:

 study on harmonization of ICT regulations;

 developing an ICT policy framework for East Africas community;
 developing of comprehensive communication strategy for Lake Victoria;
 Study on regional interconnection supported by CTO; and
  East cable system.

ICT reforms by EAC:

 Vision creating of wealth, raising living standards of all people; and

 the EAC are at the stage of developing their ICT policies.

Way forward/focus areas :

 encouraging and let molve oprators of region and long distance which provide
services

USAID/WTO

USAID developed the Information and Technology Agreement Project (ITA). This
project will assist the COMESA members to access on ITA. Benefit of ITA : growing
economy, education, health … and give assurance of foreign investors.

WDR (World Dialogue on Regulation)

WDR facilitates the transformation of regulation through research and international

dialogue. Line.net is the home of WDR a strategic co-operation between Technical
University of Denmark, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands and London
School of Economics. The challenge is to create a network of African researchers
that will generate the information and analysis needed to inform appropriate but
visionary policy formulation and effective regulation of ICTs across Africa.

National Experience in ICT Infrastructure Development: Burundi,

Sudan, Swaziland and COMTEL (Agenda Item 5)

Swaziland

Honourable Shongwe, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communications stated

by announcing the demographics of her country. The reforms had developed a
Telecom Bill which is with Cabinet. A regulatory authority will be established. The
exclusivity will be over within five years. There are Seven (7) majors ISPs. They don’t
have licence fees but need trading licence. They have e-health project and the
country is building his human resources. The biggest challenges are : power
connectivity and no ICT governance framework.

A Multi-disciplinary Committee on ICT has been established.

Sudan

By Awad E-Widaa (Consultant to the Minister of Info. And Telecommunication) “

Reform and privatisation process of the telecomunications sector in Sudan.
Case of SUDATEL
The SUDATEL started in 1994 as an operator& service. The SUDATEL company is
not the only telecom in Sudan, they are others like Mobitel, Bachair, and ISP
companies and 12 pre-paid fixes services providers. The country has a telecom plan
for the southern region to facilitate the region to access the communications facilities.

The challenges of telecommunication in Sudan are :

 To reach the universal service, date protection, public safety, or consumer;

 Telecommunication and information technology exerted tremendous
pressure in our policy and regulation;
 The significant of decreases in tariffs, especially in the long distance and
international ;market due to applications of IP telephony and the broadband
services; and
 The agreement for market opening.

Burundi

By Burundian Ambassador to Rwanda

He introduced by presenting the telecommunication sector in Burundi. The

Telecommunication is assured by the Minister of Telecommunication. The
Government set up the liberalisation and regulatory agency wich licencing the
telecom companies.
The country has 3 companies of cellular telephony and the ONATEL hold monopoly
of fixed telecom lines. Three companies provide internet and radio broadcasting
companies are liberalised.

Measures taken :

Improving Human Resource in training people in secondary /primary school and

liberalisation services.

COMTEL

By Francis OSOKONOR, “ Connecting Africa to Africa and to the rest of the World”.

The COMTEL project is managed by Anderberg –Ericson Consortium upon approval

of the COMESA and the NTO (National Telecommuniation Operators). The COMTEL
will facilitare many telecom companies to deliver better quality services. The
COMTEL will also have the Strategy Equity Partner (SEP).

The COMTEL Managing Director asked on how the to manage the funding wich
comes from the South African Bank wich is also funding the alike project , the M.
Director responded that the COMESA and COMTEL is aware of that , and they will
find together how to solve the coincidence.
International and Regional experience on ICT policy and regulation in
DETECOM by Dr Arnulf Heuverman

The emerging telecomminication landscape 2010. He talked about the organisation,

law, market and methods.

They have strategy strends in restructuration of:

 regulatory environment,
 Society (aging societies, rising mobility …)
 IT and society (computing, new business …)
 Operators economics ( market, ….)

Expected results : Carriers will be face successifully competition on different levels.

Investors and Financial Institutions Perspective on ICT Policy:

DETECON, ADB and Dimension Data (Agenda item 6)

Dimension Data /South Africa

The Represenative of D.D.

The company works in different world country including those of Africa but it has
been working in the English speaking countries. The new program is aiming to insert
the DD business in the French speaking countries. Here he said that they have an
office in France wich will strive to spead their activities in the French speaking
countries of Africa including those of forming COMESA.

He requested the COMESA members to follow the common strategies taken by

continental organisations like NEPAD and African Union (A.U.).

African Development Bank (ADB)

By Dr. InI Urua

The representative of the ABD highlighted that for those seeking ADB investment,
they must meet the pre-requsit conditions :

 Infrastructure initiative, political stability, Local management capacity, Effective

legal system.

Role of ADB:

 Encourage infrastructure investments;

 Encourage more private sector involvement in infrastructure;
 Support African effort to enhance more integration
Sumerily he gave the overall business

DETECON

The presenter highlighted major strategic trends, the end of the classical value chain,
long term restructuring of traditional telecommunications, core business and roles of
future players. The structure and institutions of telecoms regulations are undergoing
a transformation which has a direct impact on the future of the ICT sector. Fixed and
mobile networks will migrate, voice, data access and services will be available over
one basic IP network. No more difference, however, in fixed and mobile services and
applications. Technical, social, political and economic trends will dramatically
change the traditional Telecommunications value chains and push the
emergence of new entrants.

The successful operator will re-structure to overcome the strategic dilemma of cost-
leadership and differentiation. Especially vertically integrated carriers will restructure.
Customer-centered innovation and a profitable, convergent portfolio are key success
factors.

Regulators’ Role: FCC, Zimbabwe, Uganda/ARICEA, Kenya, Sudan

(Agenda Item 7)

ARICEA

The Chairman of ARICEA presented that it launched in January 2003 under auspices
of COMESA. The objectives of ARICEA are as follows:

 Exchange ideas, views and experiences among members on regulatory

matters;
 promote the sustainable development and application of efficient, adequate
and cost-effective ICT networks and services in the ESA sub-region
 Coordinate crossborder regulatory issues on ICTs
 Contribute to the achievement of regional intergration
 Promote the optimum utilisation of scarce resources in the ICT sector

Kenya

The Communication Commission of Kenya representative stated that CCK role is to

implement ICT policy, develop and enforce regulation, licensing, tariff regulation,
establish interconnection principles, standardization, management of frequency
spectrum, universal services, consumer protection, and ensure fair competition.

He said that the challenges are exclusivity, mobile operators problems, parallel
market, technology innovation (VOIP), bidding as form of market entry, convergence,
and human resources development.

Sudan
The representative of National Telecommunications Corporation (NTC, the regulator)
stated that NTC was formed in September 1996 with a view to provide an effective
regulatory framework and adequate safeguards to ensure fair competition and
protection of consumer interests. The Government is committed to a strong and
independent regulator with comprehensive powers and clear authority to effectively
perform its functions. NTC functions are as follows:

• Implementation of the national policy of competition and market liberalization;

• Issuance of Licenses for the provision of mobile, fixed and other network
services;
• Issuance of Licenses for Internet Service Providers;
• Setting rules regarding interconnection between Licensed Operators to ensure
that interconnection is available on a fair and non-discriminatory basis;
• Publishing Guideline for Interconnection Agreement to be used by all holders
of Operator Licenses;
• Regulating tariffs;
• Dispute resolution between service providers;
• Consumer protection;
• Managing domain names , electronic signature , network level of security,
tariff level for the universal service ,obligations on legal tapping and provisions
concerning calling line identification;
• Setting technical standards for type approval of telecommunications network
and customer premises equipment;
• Preparing a national numbering scheme and ensuring non-discrimination in
the allocation of numbers; and
• Any other functions that ensure a fair, transparent and competitive market
environment according to international best practices that may be considered
to be necessary by the Government.

The challenges face NTC are

1. How to satisfy public interest issues such as universal service, data

protection, public safety, or consumer protection;
2. The convergence of computers, telecommunications and information
technology exerted tremendous pressure in our policy and regulation;
3. The significant decreases in tariffs, especially in the long distance and
international markets due to applications of IP telephony and the
broadband services ,with a strong improvement in service quality and
service diversification; and
4. The GATS agreement for market opening.

Uganda

The representative of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) stated the role of

UCC as follows:

 Ensure orderly development of Sector (telecom and postal) through licensing;

 Sector Regulation – legal, economic and technical;
  Spectrum Management;
 Universal Access enablement; and
 Sector HR development.

Outcomes of competition policy are to increase the number of services providers,

increase the variety of products/services, increase in subscriber base, improvement
in quality of services and customer care and general reduction in tariffs

UCC challenges as a regulator are human resource capacity development, regulatory

oversight in light of technology convergence, adequate infrastructure development in
light of various constraints, absence of a Competition Law and consumer
empowerment.

Zimbabwe

The CEO of Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe

stated that POTRAZ has a Board of 7 members appointed by the Minister runs the
Authority. Director-General (ex-officio member of Board) is responsible for day-to-day
activities with establishment of experts in engineering, finance, economics, law,
administration, accounts. POTRAZ is an autonomous body that funds its operations
from fees levied to licensees, does not receive allocation from the fiscus.

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe was established by an ACT of Parliament

2001. Minister of State for Information is the custodian of the Act. It has a Board of 9
members. Chief Executive Officer (ex-officio member of Board) is responsible for
day-to-day activities. BAZ has an establishment of experts in broadcasting,
engineering, finance, economics, law, administration, accounts. BAZ is an
autonomous body that should fund its operations from fees levied to licensees.

He stated the regulator role as follows:

– to ensure the provision of sufficient domestic and international broadcasting,

postal and telecommunications services through out Zimbabwe;
– To exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect of broadcasting,
postal and telecom system and services in Zimbabwe;
– Ensure that reasonable demands for broadcasting, postal and telecom
services are satisfied;
– To promote the interests of consumers in respect of variety, availability,
accessibility, affordability and quality of services provided;
– To promote and facilitate conducive competitive environment in the
broadcasting, postal and telecommunications sectors;
– To approve and monitor tariffs charged for the provision of services. The
regulators do NOT determine tariffs charged by operators;
– To allocate, assign and manage radio frequency spectrum and numbering;
– To ensure universal service provision of services;
– To advise the relevant Ministers on all matters relating to systems and
services; and
– licenses services and not technology.
It is important for Zimbabwe’s communications sector to keep track of global trends in
order to sustain their operations. The trends are characterised by

 High technology turnover

 Convergence of technologies
 Value Added Services
 Interconnection
 Changing consumer tastes and demands
 Legislation which lags behind Technological changes

FCC

The presenter stated that today’s Regulator’s Challenge is convergence, which

means everything –video, audio, text, and so forth – has become a digital stream that
can be transported across the Internet. FCC declined to draw any final conclusions
regarding IP telephony/VOIP. It concluded that computer-to-computer VOIP is not a
telecommunications service. Under certain circumstances, phone-to-phone VOIP
may be treated as telecommunications service.

The FCC has initiated a proceeding to examine the social and regulatory obligations
for services and applications making use of the Internet Protocol. He stated the
regulator challenges as technology changes faster than rules, rules based on non-
competitive “one platform one application” world and regulatory approach to be
used.

Consideration of Progress on Implementation of ICT Policy (Agenda

Item 8)

The COMESA Secretariat presented the report on the Implementation of

the ICT Policy. The speaker started by giving a background of the ICT
Regulatory Harmonisation Project from the study carried out in 2000, the
adoption of a common ICT Policy and Bill, the adoption of some
regulatory guidelines and the creation of the Association of ICT
Regulators. He indicated that the five years action plan retained to
integrate all the components of the ICT Policy and Bill within national
policy and regulatory frameworks was used as a metric to assess how far
country have gone in implementing changes.

The speaker summarized the findings of the assessments as follows

about the progresses made in sector restructuring process. He noted that
fifteen members states have regulatory bodies separated from the
supervising ministries and operators. He described the liberalization and
the privatization of the state-owned telecommunications operators.
With regards to ICT applications, a number of countries have already
embarked on the elaboration and implementation and e-strategies of
some broad elements are provided in ICT Policy.

In his presentation, he indicated the problems and constraints that still

need to be addressed. These include the lack of capacity both in the
ministries and regulatory authorities.

The status of implementation by December 2003 is as follows:

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP3 STEP4 STEP 5

Country National Establishment Data and Competition State owned Competition Competition in
Legislation of a separate Internet in Cellular National in Fixed Fixed national
reviewed or regulatory Services Mobile Telecom International Telephone
updated to be authority or Liberalized Services Operator Telephone Service
harmonised strengthening privatised Service
with ICT Model the existing
Bill one

Angola Y Y Y N N N Y
Burundi Y Y Y Y N Y Y
Comoros N N N N N N N
DR Congo Y Y Y Y N Y N
Djibouti N N Y N N N N
Egypt Y Y Y Y N Dec 2005 Dec 2005
Eritrea Y N Y Y N N N
Ethiopia N Y N N Planned N N
Kenya Y Y Y Y 2005 Jul 2004 Jul 2004
Madagascar Y Y Y Y Y N N
Malawi Y Y Y Y In progress N N
Mauritius Y Y Y Y Y Y
Namibia Y Y Y Y N N N
Rwanda Y Y Y Y Planned N
Seychelles Y N Y Duopoly All private Duopoly Duopoly
Sudan Y Y Y Y Y Dec 2005 Y
Swaziland Y N Y Y N N N
Tanzania Y Y Y Y Y 2005 2005
Uganda Y Y Y Y Y Duopoly end Duopoly end
Jul 2005 Jul 2005
Zambia Y Y Y Y Planned N N
Zimbabwe Y Y Y Y Planned Duopoly Duopoly
Legend: Y - Yes & N - No

The countries needs are as follows:

Country Needs
Burundi  Review ICT Policy and Legislation
 Creation of ICT policy unit at the Ministry of Transport
 Post and Telecommunications
  Strengthening the regulator
 Capacity Building
 Create a Multi-disciplinary Committee from Government
Departments, Private Sector, Consumers and other ICT
stakeholders
Comoros  Foster the sector reforming, separately postal and
telecommunications services as well as policy, regulatory and
operational functions
 Development of ICT policy and legislation
 Establish a separate regulatory authority
 Co-ordination and harmonisation of ICT activities
 Creation of a policy unit at the Ministry of Infrastructure
 Human resources development
D.R. Congo  Foster liberalisation
 Strengthen ARPTC
 Strengthen Ministry PTT ICT departments
 Develop ICT policy and review legislations
 Establish an ICT Multi-disciplinary Committee from Government,
Operators, Private Sector, Civil Society and NGOs
 Capacity Building
 Enhance sector reforms, separate Post and Telecoms
Djibouti  Establishment of ICT regulator
 Establishment of Communications Department at the Ministry
 Review ICT Policy and Legislation
 Human Resource Development
 Establishment of an ICT Multi-disciplinary Committee includes
Government, Private Sector, Operators, Consumer and other ICT
stakeholders.
Eritrea  Development of ICT policy and legislation
 Establishment of a separate ICT regulatory authority
 Enhance the Communications Department to take the role of an
ICT policy unit
 Capacity Building
 Creation of a National ICT Committee involving public, private
sector and other ICT stakeholders
Ethiopia  Strengthening of the regulatory authorities
 Capacity building
 Foster the implementation of the policies to meet COMESA ICT
Implementation Action Plan
Kenya  Enhance implementation of regulations
 Human Resource Development
Madagascar  Facilitate the implementation of the ICT policy
 Strengthen the regulatory authority and the policy unit
 Capacity building
 Creation of a National Committee for ICT involving all ICT
stakeholders
Malawi  Review the ICT policy and legislation
 Capacity Building
 Establishment of a Multi-disciplinary Committee for ICT involving all
ICT stakeholders for better co-ordination and harmonisation
Rwanda  Facilitate the implementation of ICT policy
 Human Resource Development
 Strengthen the regulatory body
Sudan  Review of ICT policy and legislation
 Strengthen the regulatory body
 Establish a Multi-disciplinary Committee from Government
 Departments, Private Sector, consumer and other ICT stakeholders
 Capacity building
 Establishment of a policy unit at the Ministry
Swaziland  Review of ICT policy and legislation
 Establishment of a regulatory body
 Establishment of a policy unit at the Ministry
 Support the Multi-disciplinary Committee
 Foster the sector reform by separating post and telecommunication
sub-sectors as well as policy, regulatory and operational functions
Uganda  Enhance regulations development and implementation
 Training
 Strengthen the regulator
 Establishment of an ICT Multi-disciplinary Committee to involve all
ICT stakeholders
Zambia  Strengthen the regulator
 Capacity building
 Establishment of an ICT Multi-disciplinary committee involving all
ICT stakeholders
Zimbabwe  Review of ICT policy and legislation
 Support the National Economic Conduct forum (NECF)
 Strengthen regulatory authorities
 Human Resources Development
 Facilitate implementation of regulations

Presentations on E-applications: Internews, ATDI and COMESA

(Agenda Item 9)

Internews

The representative of Internews highlighted the benefits of e-commerce to business,

consumer and government. The pre-requisites for e-commerce are wired buyers &
sellers, E-payment systems , legal bases and delivery mechanisms. E-government is
in many ways just a subset of e-commerce. The change is unavoidable. Government
can lead by implementing e-government and remove barriers on Internet services.

ATDI

The representative of ATDI presented that his company provides

software and services in all area of radio communications for regulators,
operators, equipment suppliers, and military forces.
He highlighted the aims of spectrum management as follows:

1. To manage administrative procedures according to the

national, regional or international regulations in force;
2. To optimise/facilitate resource sharing between radio
services and players;
3. To provide an updated and pertinent description of the
spectrum for both technical and administrative aspects; and
 4. To establish an efficient sharing and control of information.

COMESA

COMESA Secretariat present the information system projects which are ASYCUDA;
COMESA procurement information system (CPIS); payments and settlement System;
E-commerce; and Regional ICT Support Programme. ASYCUDA is a computerised
customs data management system implemented by most COMESA member States.
It makes the customs process more efficient, promotes trade by reducing the time
taken to clear goods, makes tariff revenue collection more efficient, and generates
accurate trade statistics. CPIS uses a web-based platform over the Internet to
promote greater efficiency, transparency and monitoring of public procurement
processes among the COMESA Member States. The payment system should
improve the flow and settlement of cross border payment transactions among
financial institutions for the benefit, inter alia, of importers and exporters.

Presentation on IT Technologies: Microsoft, USAID, and CATIA

(Agenda Item 10)

Microsoft

The Microsoft representative said that e-government is the effective use of new
technology particularly the Internet to improve relationships and forge new bonds
between government and citizens (G2C), government and business (G2B)
government and employees (G2E) and between the different agencies and level of
governments (G2G).
Government can have online information such as official documents, legislative
proceedings and other information generated and held by government. Online
communications flows with government are more egalitarian, and the government
process becomes less formal and more conversational.

HP

The presenter of HP highlighted the end- to –end e-government as follows:

1. Citizen notifies government;

2. Department informed;
3. Departmental processes informs public sector employee;
4. Public sector employee deals with issue;
5. Departmental systems updated;
6. Citizen notified of completion; and
7. Citizen reviews details.

The issues of transparency, efficiency, accessibility and security are essential. These
factors can be well played by e-government.

CATIA
CATIA is a regional programme working across southern, eastern, central and
western Africa which is funded by DFID and other donors. Its activities includes:

 Promote harmonization in licensing and regulation – Regional guidelines;

 Improve understanding the role of different wireless technologies and how this
affect Internet for development on ongoing basis –workshops and background
docs, courseware; and
 Create a process for building the capacity of African institutions to deal with
emerging regulatory issues that require regional consensus economy of scale
and scope- infrastructure and technology, spectrum, competition, universal
service, privacy and security issues, etc.

CATIA is being managed by ATOS KPMG Consulting (AKC) and delivered by a

strong, predominantly African consortium. It is working in close coordination with the
Canadian governments’ Connectivity Africa initiative. The component 1a deals with
access to Internet by end users and rural poor. SMEs is key for national
development, regional integration and participation in information society

USAID

The USAID presenter stated that the ICT sector development is primarily driven by
USAID’s country and regional Missions, including regional and central programs. 95
% of Missions have ICT4D activities. Over 350 activities worldwide. About $100
million/year in funds appropriated to USAID and $120 million/year in contributed
resources.

USAID collaborates with business, NGOs and universities, technical agencies, other
donor countries, and international organizations to provide the needed financial and
technical resources. It supports policy and regulatory reform in telecommunications
and electronic commerce to foster private investment, competition, interconnection,
and universal access. It also fosters ICT access for populations under-served
because of cost (rural), income, ethnicity and gender

USAID demonstrates innovative ICT applications across all developmental

objectives, including education, education, telemedicine, environment, and geo-
spatial mapping

Consideration of E-strategy (Agenda item 11)

The e-strategy is presented by ECA consultants.

The main objectives of the development of an e-strategy commissioned by UNECA

for COMESA include the promotion of ICT usage for regional economic integration,
enhancement of connectivity and access to ICT services among and within the
member States and development of applications and content for the sub-region,
while encouraging public-private partnerships. The e-strategy will cover all major
aspects of e-applications including e-government, e-commerce, e-education, e-
health, e-agriculture etc. It will also, where relevant, address policy, legislation,
regulation, resources and other issues referred to in the ICT Policy and Model ICT
Bill as well as other issues relevant to the implementation which have not been
touched upon in the Policy and Model Bill. Following is a brief update on the progress
so far been made in this study:

e-Strategy Theoretical Postulate: Applying the convergence concept COMESA

should adopt an e-strategy in which Telecommunications Infrastructures/ Computers
and Communication Hardware/ Computers and Communication Software/Data and
ICT Applications/ ICT Services/ Visibility of Services supported by ICT/ICT Skills (on
R&D/ Education/ Training/ Innovation)/ Legislative Environment are all dealt with
simultaneously

e-Strategy Structure (suggested)

1. Introduction
2. Presents and give characterization of the ICT developments in the
COMESA Region.
3. Millennium Development Goals/ WSIS Process / AISI / NEPAD/ African
Union/PRSPS/COMESA Objectives/ Integration of ICT into Regional
Development
4. Priority areas in accordance to PRSPS/COMESA Objectives/ Integration of
ICT into Regional Development
5. How to go about these priorities areas/Approach for the implementation of
the E-Strategy (Infrastructure-Mobile/Fixed,
VSAT/Education-skills/Services, including Broadcasting, Postal/Media), e-
Governance, e-Commerce, ICT industry (Hardware/Software development,
ICT Applications development, ICT services), websites for market &
business promotion.
6. Key Partners. Stakeholders. Role of each (user side- majority of the
population/ facilitators (norms-regulations-laws-money and other
facilities/implementators- knowledge-money-desire-creative and donors)
7. ICT Skills for/on transformation
8. Phasing the implementation of the E-Strategy
9. The Special role of Governments and Legal Environment
10. Institutional Framework
11. Monitoring and Evaluation of the E-Strategy
12. Principles and Methodologies for establishing programmes and elaborating
projects (Here we have to discuss why we are not being successful in the
various ongoing ICT projects. We have to see if is any other way of doing
things to bring the desired impact).
13. Mobilizing Financial Resources (by listening to what is going on worldwide,
with the few financial and human resources available make small projects
with high impact and attract big projects/initiatives)
14. National/Regional and intra-regional/International Cooperation

Way Forward (Agenda Item 12)

The Forum divided into five working groups. These groups are Policy and
Regulatory Framework, Infrastructure, Finance, Content and e-
applications and capacity building and human resource development.
Each group discussed the matter extensively and came out with a certain
recommendations in that field.

Each group presented its recommendations to the plenary. The adopted

recommendations are as follows:

A. POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Each national ministry responsible for communications should form a thin

technocratic permanent ICT policy formulation unit which would regularly consult all
relevant stakeholders (especially the private sector), monitor developments in
technology and in policy implementation (with an open channel to the regulator), and
provide policy recommendations to the policy makers (the Minister, the Permanent
Secretary, and the Parliament).

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Work closely with the parliament to identify and use ICT champions who can
proselytize ICT use down to their constituencies ;

2. Governments should aggressively adopt and use ICTs themselves,

3. Provide an important stimulus to ICT services implementation through society.

Particular emphasis should be given to technology use in the schools, since if
children can be exposed to technology from an early stage, they will feel
comfortable with it later on;

4. Co-ordinate with development partners (USAID, EC, ITU, etc.) to work

together in their ICT policy assistance efforts—to reduce duplication of efforts
and increase consistency of recommendations ;

5. ICT-related tax policies and spectrum management processes should be

harmonized among COMESA member countries, thus enabling increase
competition from entrepreneurs in neighbouring countries and more seamless
networks.

6. Governments need to move as fast as possible to not only adopt the COMESA
model ICT policy framework, but to implement it in a timely manner. More
realistically, just as the EU gives member states three years to adopt EC
directives, COMESA member states should be expected to implement the
framework by February 2006 (36 months from its adoption by COMESA).
7. Providing an enabling environment to facilitate private sector work to address
the people’s needs.

8. Use the standards in INFRA/ARICEA-AGM/V/6 to provide progress reviews at

each COMESA Annual General Meeting.
9. COMESA can help by implementing the efforts it listed in Section 7 of
COM/INFRA/ICT-HLPF/I (perhaps by conducting projects with clusters of
countries with similar needs), and in addition it would be helpful to receive
regular reports of success stories.

B. INFRASTRUCTURE

At regional level the goal should be to have a harmonised interconnected

infrastructure :

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Ensure that the regional projects such as COMTEL and EASSy are

implemented as scheduled;

2. To adopt regulatory measures that facilitate platforms such as VoIP and

allow for wholesale ;

3. Member States and national telecommunications operators (NTOs) to

assist in the implementing of the COMTEL Project ;

4. Better co-ordination of infrastructure projects e.g COMTEL, East Africa

digital transmission, and EASSy ; and

5. COMESA Secretariat to arrange a meeting to raise the COMTEL project

awareness.

At national level the goals should be to ensure infrastructure accessibility to all

citizens :

1. ICT services providers should extend their networks to under served rural
and remote areas ;

2. Use the COMTEL network to drop insert services along the COMTEL
routes ; and

3. To establish universal service/access funds or such other funds into which

all operators shall be required to contribute as a licence condition.

C. FINANCING

COMESA region should have an enabling environment to attract investment, with

attention to the points below:

I. Policy

I.I Macro and Legal Environment

 Peace and Security

  Political Stability
 Effective Administration
 Economic Growth
 Incentive Fiscal Policy

I.II ICT Sector Policy

 Free market Access

 Transpaceny
 Fair Competitions
 Market Liberalisation
 Privatisation

II. Regulatory

 Clear Regulatory Policy

 Transparency
 Preventing of anti-competitive practices (Cartel, dumping, cross-
subsidisation, etc.)
 Fair pricing policy based on costs
 Reference unbundling and Interconnections Offers shall be published
especially for the new entrants
 Effective enforcement mechanism
 Dispute resolution mechanism
 Idependence of the regulator from day to day politics.

III. Sourcing of Financing

 Private sector
 Public – Private Partnership (PPP)
 Concessionary Loans (ADB, DBSA etc.)
 Finance Markets

D. E-APPLICATIONS AND CONTENT

The following issues were identified relating to e-applications

I. Enabling mechanisms :

 harmonized regional legal framework for e-applications (eg for e-

commerce) ;
 recognizing the protection of intellectual property rights as crucial
for the stimulation of e-application development ;
 privacy and data protection  ;
 data security standards ;
 authentification mechanisms ;
II. Human resource development e.g gender issues, management capacity
development ;andcapacity in application development in general ;

III. lack of skills transfer in donor funded application development projects ;

IV. lack of capital as a barrier to entrepreneurial activity in application

development ; and
V. Insufficient local language content and application development.

Recommendations

COMESA is urged to establish an IT expert group. The representatives should have

knowledge of application development and be familiar with the initiatives in
application development in their home countries. The group is encouraged to address
issues such as:

 encouraging investment and entrepreneurship ;

 human capacity development ;
 role of public private partnership in application development ;
 local content development ;
 adoption of pan-regional e-government applications ;
 strategies to encourage COMESA countries to invest in regional ; and
 e-application initiatives

COMESA to facilitate a platform to share experiences between the member

countries. The platform should include information sharing on current and planned
projects, best practices, successes and failures, experiences with the private sector,
advances in human capacity building in the area of e-applications and application
development.

E. CAPACITY BUILDING AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. COMESA Sectretariat should encourage Member States to have commitment

to ICT development at the highest level possible, both in the private and public
sector (government).

- This can be achieved by sensitising the leadership on the benefits of

ICT as a tool for development .

2. There is a need to integrate the effective application of ICTs for development

into all the sectoral policies e.g. Education, Health, Agriculture etc.

3. Strong linkages must be established between training institutions (e.g.

universities of tertiary education institutions) and industry. This is fundamental
to :
 (i) focusing research on real industry needs ;

(ii) give students an opportunity to have hands-on experience and

challenges;

(iii) providing a platform for ICT Research and Development ; and

(iv) facilitating the inclusion of university lecturers and professors to

participate in training run by or for industry.

4. Some standard accreditation of ICT training facilities within COMESA must be

set. This will avoid the proliferation of ICT ‘training schools’ with un-qualified
courses and avoid the misuse of ‘titles’.

5. User training must be categorised for relevant training to be designed for the
different levels e.g.

ICT’s in primary schools

ICT’s in secondary schools

Tertiary level ICT training :

(i) for non-ICT students: they must all have an ICT component included in
their courses
(ii) for ordinary citizens
(iii) for ICT professionals: this must be comprehensive accredited training
(iv) Junior Professionals: a minimum of ICDL training
(v) Senior Executives and Managers: Customised or tailored training to suit
their applications
(vi) Policy Makers

- Customised or tailored training

- ICT for development sensitisation

6. Continuous specialised training in new ICT issues must be provided on an on-

going basis to ICT regulators. This would contribute to better more informed
decision-making in policies affecting ICT services.

7. Linking the nationals of Member States who are in the Diaspora for expertise
and technology transfers through voluntary work or paid consultancies and
training.

8. Incentives in the form of :

(i) Remunerations ;
(ii) Training opportunities ; and
(iii) Clear career development pats.
9. Encourage ‘peering’ among COMESA Member states and with other
institutions worldwide.

10. COMESA should conduct a training needs assessment in the region.

11. Any Donor or Investor bringing technology into the region should include a
TRAINING component to ensure the transfer of expertise and technology and
human resource capacity building.

12. Regulatory Authorities Associations must include ICT training or sensitisation

component at each of their regional meetings.

13. COMESA should support national ICT associations to build in-country

capacity.

14. COMESA should establish a database of accredited institutions in conjunction

with accrediting bodies.

Adoption of the Report and Closure of the Forum (Agenda Item

13)

The Forum adopted the recommendations. The report will be circulated to

participants for comments and thereafter be adopted.

Closing Ceremony

Remarks by Mr. Erastus J.O. Mwencha, MBS Secretary General of

COMESA

Mr. Mwencha said that credit goes to our elders in our midst - the Honourable
Ministers, for coming to Kigali and for your participation. The lesson, is what His
Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda said. Africa missed
out on the transportation age that induced social economic development. Africa
missed out on the atomic age. The challenge to us is that Africa should not miss out
on the information age. We now have an opportunity to do something about it.

This forum has made practical recommendations which, if timeously

implemented, will empower the citizens in our region to move forward in becoming
part of the information society.

These recommendations pertain to:

1. Policy and Regulatory Framework;

2. ICT Infrastructure Development;
3. E-application and ICT Content;
4. Financing for the ICT development; and
5. Last but not the least, Human Resource Development.
 Just to underline two specific recommendations:

1. Let us harmonise the ICT sector in COMESA by implementing the

Model Policy and Model Bill which embrace strategy, legal and
business environment.
2. Let us move quickly to implement the COMTEL and EASSy Projects.
These two are complementary.

As the Chinese saying goes – a journey of 1000 Kms starts with taking the first step.
Let us step forward to bring about change for the betterment of our citizens, our
children and their children. Let us hand over to the future generation a better
environment. Let no one accuse us of the sin of omission.

Closing Remarks by Honourable Eng. Sam K. Nkusi, Minister of

State, Energy and Communications, Rwanda

Hon. Eng. Nkusi thanked the Ministers, delegate and COMESA for having the Forum
in Kigali, Rwanda. He also appreciated the good ideas and the fruitful discussion
during the Forum which made no time for the delegate to see the beautiful country of
Rwanda.

He Stated that today world is a global information village. Genocide may not have
happened with ICT tools. ICT is important for our countries socio-economic
development. Kigali Forum should make a difference to our people when we go
back. There is a need to talk about ICT policy and regulatory frame work, information,
e-services, ICT infrastructure, ..etc.

By full participation in the Forum, you missed all the good things. Next time we will
make sure that you visit the Gorillas.

Vote of Thanks by Honourable Ms Thandie Shongwe, Minister of

Tourism, Environment and Communications, Swaziland

Hon. Shongwe said it is a pleasure for her to represent COMESA countries and give
vote of thank. She thanked the Hon. Eng. Nkusi, Rwandan Minister for hosting the
meeting, hospitality, and all faciliatation to have a successful Forum.

Hon. Shongwe thanked COMESA Secretariat for the preparation, organization and
conducting a good meeting.

She thanked the protocol Officers, interpreters for excellent interpretation, hotel staff
for suitable and wonderful stay and delicious food and cooperating partners for
supporting COMESA ICT programme.

She said that the Forum opened an eye for all of us to bridge the gaps and identify
challenges and opportunities. We left behind children, families and relatives but
through ICT we can communicate with them and reduce poverty. Rural people should
benefit from ICT.
She urge COMESA Secretariat and all the Ministers and delegations to implement
the Kigali recommendations to minimize digital divide and a better functioning. Save
journey back home and come back not by invitation.

Hon. Eng. Nkusi declared the Forum closed.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
LISTE DE PARTICIPANTS

BURUNDI

His Excellency Ambassador Ndayizamba Andre, Ambassador of Burundi, Kigali, Tel : 575512

Mr. Nsisabira, Directeur Technique de L’ARTC, Ministry of Defense Nationale, B.P. 6702, Bujumbura,
Tel : 257-210276/243631, Fax : 257-242832, E-mail : nsisabira@caraniai.com

COMOROS

Honourable Houmed Msaidie, Ministre d’Etat, Ministre de la Defénse, de la Suréte du Territoire, des
Infrastructure Stratégies et de la Communication, Porte Parole du Government, B.P. 41, Moroni,
Comoros, Tel : 269-744251, Fax : 269-734241, E-mail : Houmed@snpt.bm

Ms. Amina Abdallah, Chargé d’affaires Juridique, SNPT, B.P. 5000, Moroni, Tel : 269-734028, Fax :
269-731079, E-mail : amina.abdallah@snpt.bm

CONGO D.R.

Mr. Patrice Kamanda Tshibangu Muteba, Member of Board and Advisor, Economy and Competition,
ARPTC, P.O. Box 3000, Kinshasa 1, Tel : 243-810385910/243-1392491, Fax : 243-812610047/243-
1392492, E-mail : pkamanda@hotmail.com;arptc@starnet.cd

Mr. Sébastien Bilimasi Kayomba, Chef de Service de la Réplementation postale et de Télécoms,

ARPTC, P.O. Box 3000, Kinshasa 1, Tel : 243-817127862/243-810385910/1392431, Fax : 243-
812610047/243-1392492, E-mail : sbilimasi@yahoo.fr

DJIBOUTI

Mr. Rifki Abdoulkader Bamakhrama, Ministre de la Communication, de la Culture, Chargé des Posts et
des Télécommunication, Djibouti, Tel : 253-353928, Fax : 253-353057, E-mail :
rifaboulkader@hotmail.com

Mr. Ibrahim Ahmed Aden, Co-ordinnateur Nations des TICs, Ministere de la Communication et de la
Culture, Charge des Postes et des Télécommunications, Djibouti, Tel : 253-353928, E-mail :
ibrahim@intnet.dj

Mr. Omar Said Bileh, President du Comite des TICs, Ministere de la Communication et de la Culture,
Charge des Postes et des Télécommunications, Djibouti, Tel : 253-353928, E-mail :
omar.said@intnet.dj

EGYPT

Ms. Amira Fathi Shahin, Charge de Affaires, Egyptian Embassy, B.P. 6037, Kigali, Tel : 587560/085-
17559, Fax : 587510, E-mail : egypt@rwanda.com
ERITREA

Prof. Abraham Z. Kidane, Senior Economic Advisor to Government, Ministry of National Development,
P.O. Box 4286, Asmara, tel : 291-1-124964/123356, Fax : 291-1-126422

Eng. Mekonnen Fessahzion, Acting Director General, Communications Department, Ministry of

Transport and Communications, P.O. Box 4918, Asmara, Tel : 251-1-120555, Fax : 291-126966, E-
mail : mekonnenfz@yahoo.com

KENYA

Honourable David Were, M.P. Assistant Minister, Ministry of Information and Communications,
Ministry of Information and Communication, P.O. Box 30025, Nairobi, Tel : 254-20-4242000, Fax :
254-20-4452255

Mr. John Omo, Communication Secretary, Communications Commission of Kenya, P.o. Box 14448,
Nairobi 0080, Tel : 254-20-4242285, E-mail : omo@cck.go.ke

Eng. John N. Kariuki, Communications Technology Expert, National Communications Secretariat, P.O.
Box 10756-00100, Tel : 254-20-2719953, Fax : 254-20-2716515, E-mail : ncs@nbnbnet.co.ke

MADAGASCAR

Mr. Rakotovelo Andriamihajasoa, Directeur de l’Informatique et des Technologiès de l’Information,

Ministère des Télécommunications, Posts et Communication, Place de l’Indepéndence, Antananarivo,
Tel : 261-320710032, Fax : 261-2022-35894, E-mail: mihaja2@yahoo.fr;diti@mtpc.gov.mg

MALAWI

Mr. Henry Mumba, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Information and Tourism, Private Bag, 326, Lilongwe,
3, Tel : 265-1-775499, Fax : 265-1-770680, E-mail : psinfo@sdnp.org.mw;mumbah@africa-
online.net

Mrs. Hawa Olga Ndilowe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism, Private Bag 326,
Lilongwe 3, Tel : 265-8895679/1775499, Fax : 265-1-770650, E-mail : psinfo@sndp.org.mw

Ms. Thandikile Mbvundula, Managing Director & ICT Consultant, Epsilon & Omega, P.O. Box 31125,
Lilongwe 3, Tel : 265-1-774444, Fax : 265-1-771231, E-mail : thandim@eomw.net

Mr. Evans James Namanja, Director General MACRA, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority,
P/Bag 261, Blantyre, Tel : 265-1-623611, Fax : 265-1-623890, E-mail : ejnamanja@globemw.net

Mr. M. Kuntiya, Director of Telecommunications, MACRA, P/Bag 261, Blantyre, Malawi, Tel : 265-1-
623611, Fax : 261-1-623890, E-mail : mkuntiya@sdnp.org.mw

MAURITIUS

Mr. Bocus Mahmad Aleem, Director of Legal Affairs/Board Secretary, Information and Communication
Technologies Authority, Corner Remi Ollier & Jummali Mosque Streets, Port Louis, Tel : 230-
2172222, Fax : 230-2177777, E-mail : mabocus@icta.mu

RWANDA
Honourable Sam K. Nkusi, Minister of State, Energy and Communications, Ministry of Energy and
Communications, P.O. Box 24, Kigali, Tel : 250-582619, Fax : 250-58261, E-mail :
samkn@rwanda1.com

Honourable Tuyisinge Solange, Ass. Nationale, P.O. Box 2468, Kigali, Tel : 08307138, Fax : 574170

Mr. John Yaramba, ICT and Education Co-ordinator, USAID /Rwanda, B.P. 2848, Kigali, Tel :
570938/570940, Fax : 570959, E-mail : jyaramba@usaid.gov

Mr. E. Bizimana, Secretaire Général, Ministère Infrastructures, B.P. 24, Kigali, Tel : 08305482, Fax :
585755, E-mail : bizimananaemmanuel@yahoo.com

Mr. Remy Mugunga, Conseiller Economique, Présidence de la République, B.P. 15,

Kigali, Tel : 08182031, Fax : 511720, E-mail : n.migruge@gov.rw

Mr. Pius Ndayambaje, ICT Advisor to the President, President’s Office, P.O. Box 15, Kigali, Tel :
08302943, E-mail : pndayambaje@presidency.gov.rw

I/C Commerce, Umutara Province, P.O. Box 01, Nyagatare, Kigali, Tel : 565206,
Fax : 565206

Dr. Felix Korbla Akokli, Director of MSC in ICT Programme, NUR Butare, B.P. 117, Butare, Tel  :
08463036, E-mail : fakorli@yahoo.com

Mr. Raphael Mmasi, Director ICT, KIST, B.P. 3900, Kigali, Tel : 08305695, Fax : 541925, E-mail :
rmmasi@kist.ac.rw

Mr. Charles Semapondo, Technical Director, Rwandatel, B.P. 1332, Tel : 08302869, Fax : 573100, E-
mail : csemap@rwanda1.com

Mr. Paul Birungi Masterjebb, Director Distance Training Programmes, Kigali Institute of Education
Mineduc, B.P. 5039, Kigali, Tel : 08306260, Fax : 50378, E-mailL bpmasterjerb@yahoo.co.uk

Mr. Aoife Hegarty, ICT Advisor, Ministry of Gender, B.P. 4599, Kigali, Tel : 250-0877-2466, E-mail :
aoife.hegarty@gmail.com

Mr. David Kanamugire, Director General, ICT, Office of the President, B.P. 15, Kigali, Tel : 250-
08304442, Fax : 250-08182015, E-mail : davidk@gov.rw

Mr. Andre Ndayizamba, Ambassador du Burundi à Kigali, Foreign Affairs, B.P. 714, Kigali, Tel :
575512, Fax : 576418, E-mail : ambabukgla

Mr. Celestin Kayitare, Chairman – National Insurance Commission, National Insurance Commission,
B.P. 7399, Kigali, Tel : 08301002, Fax : 584970

Mr. Vincent Gatwabuyege, Managing Director, Onatracom, P.O. box 619, Kigali, Tel : 501302, Fax :
576126, E-mail : vince@intekom.co.za

Mr. Bernard Itangishaka, General Director, UBPR, P.O. Box 1348, Kigali, Tel : 08301932, E-mail :
bitangishaka@yahoo.fr

Mr. Richard Musinguzi, ICT Specialist, UNDP – Rwanda, P.O. Box 445, Kigali, Tel : 08833775, E-
mail : richard.musinguzi@undp.org

Mr. Francis Gatare, Country Economist, UNDP, P.O. Box 445, Kigali, Tel : 08301638, Fax : 576263,
E-mail : francis.gatare@undp.org

Mr. Mpyisi Gerard, Managing Director BCS, Tel : 08312521

Mr. Faustin Ntezilyayo, Managing Director, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency, P.O. Box 7289, Kigali,
Tel : 587066, Fax : 587063, E-mail : fntezi@rwanda1.com

Mr. Antoine Bigirimana, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Tools Company, P.O. Box 545, Kigali, Tel :
250-08305928, E-mail : antoine@e-tools.com

Mr. Andrew Rugege, Chief Executive Officer, Artel Communications, B.P. 7333, Tel : 08306499, E-
mail : amgege@artelcommunications.com

Mr. Brian Allan, Electrogaz, P.B. 537, Kigali, Tel : 08306695, Fax : 250-573802, Email :
ballain@electrogez.co.rw

Mr. Albert Nsengiyuma, Director Computing Center, National University of Rwanda, B.P. 272, Kigali,
Tel : 250-08350038, Fax : 250-530210, E-mail : allents@nur.ac.rw;albert-nsengi@yahoo.com

Mr. Safu Bongis, Director STR Mineauc, MINEAUC, Tel : 08307263, E-mail : bsafari@minedv.gov.rw

Mr. Williams Nkurunziza, Director General, RIPA, B.P. 6239, Kigali, Tel : 510248, Fax : 510249

Mr. Marc Kabandana, Directeur General, Rwandatel S.A., B.P. 1332, Kigali, Tel : 576777, fax :
582001

Mr. Juma Okech, Executive Director, Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA), Telecom
House, Blvd de L’Umuganda, B.P. 7229, Kigali, Tel : 250-583-220/1/1, Fax : 250-583-222, E-mail :
rita@rwanda1.com

Ms. Beatrice Mukabaranga, Vice Rector (Academic), Kigali Institute of Education, P.o. Box 5039,
Kigali, Tel : 083-01517/586885, Fax : 586885, E-mail : bmukabaranga@yahoo.com

Mr. Mbaye Diouf, Director ECA, East Africa, United Nations, P.O. Box 4654, Kigali, Tel : 250-
08302153, 250-86546, E-mail : diouf@un.org

Eng. Henry Rwamugema, Country Director, International Executive Services Corps, B.P. 7255, Kigali,
Tel : 520289, Fax : 520287, E-mail : iesc-uwanda@rwanda.com

Mr. John Kamuzinzi, Director of Economic Affairs, Primature, B.P. 1334, Kigali, Tel : 583432, Fax :
583714, E-mail : kamujohn@yahoo.fr

Mr. Yisa Claver, Director of Planning, MINEDUC, P.O. Box 622, Kigali, Tel : 08501254, Fax : 82447

Mr. Bizimana Assumani, Conseiller Technique, Rwandatel, B.P. 1332, Kigali, Tel : 08303426, Fax :
71332, E-mail : bizimana@rwandatel.rw

Mr. Peter Mardadi, Directeur Financier, Rwandatel, B.P. 1332, Kigali, Tel : 08303424, E-mail :
peter@Rwanda1.com

Mr. Barigye George, Directeur Commercial, Rwandatel SA, B.P. 1332, Kigali, Tel : 08303761, E-
mail : barigye@Rwanda1.com

Mr. Rukiriza Felicien, MININFRA, B.P. 20, Kigali, Tel : 08312983, Fax : 250-582577, E-mail :
rekeizafel@yahoo.fr

Mr. Francis Karemera, ARTEL Technical Manager, P.O. Box 733, Kigali, tel : 08303929, Fax :
583474, E-mail : fkaremera@artelcommunications.com

Miss Bwanakwel Chantel, ORTPN IT Manager, B.P. 905, Kigali, Tel : 250-08306925, Fax : 250-
576515, E-mail : bchantal@rwandatourism.com
Mr. Kampion Banda, Economic Affairs Officer, UNECA, P.O. Box 4654, Kigali, Tel  : 586549, Fax :
586546, E-mail : kbanda@uneca.org

Mr. Yves Kimenyi, Systems Administrators, MTN Rwandacell, B.P. 264, Kigali, Tel : 08312607, E-
mail : yvesk@mtn.co.rw

Mr. Robert Rwakabogo, Assistant Prepaid, MTN Rwandacell, B.P. 264, Kigali, Tel : 08312701, E-
mail : robtr@mtn.co.rw

Mr. Mutabazi Jean-Baptiste, Director of Communications RURA, Tel : 250-520832, E-

mail :arms@rwanda1.com

Mr. Etienne Ntagirumugara, Lecturer at KIST, Education, B.P. 3900, Kigali, Tel : 08643874

SUDAN

Mr. Awad Elkarim Widaa Ahmed, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Information and Communication,
P.O. box 2869, Khartoum 11111, Tel : 249-183-562351, Fax : 249-183-562351, E-mail :
awab@ntc.org.sd

Mr. Siddig Ibrahim Mustaf Ali, NTC, Technical Director, P.O. Box 2869, Khartoum 11111, Tel : 249-
183-484487, Fax : 249-183-484489, E-mail : siddig@ntc.org.sd

Mr. Babiker Mohammed Saeed, A/Telecom services, National Telecom Corporation, P.O. box 2869,
Khartoum, Tel : 249-183-484489, Fax : 249-183-484489, E-mail : babikersaeed@ntc.org.sd

SWAZILAND

Honourable Thandie Shongwe, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communications, Ministry of

Tourism, Environment and Communication, P.O. Box 2652, Tel : 268-4046128, Fax : 268-4046438,
E-mail : tshongwe@realnet.co.sz

Mr. Mbuso Dlamini, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Housing, P.o. Box 2195, Mbabane, Tel : 268-405-
0696, Fax : 268-405-0697, E-mail : dlamini@gov.sz

Mr. Richard Mzwandile Mabuza, Communications Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Environment and
Communications, P.O. Box 2652, Mbabane, Tel : 268-4046420, Fax : 268-4046438, E-mail :
mabuza@gov.sz

UGANDA

Honurable John Nasasira, Minister of Works, Housing and Communications, Ministry of Works,
Housing and Communication, P.O. Box 10, Entebbe, Tel : 256-41-320101, Fax : 256-41-320135, E-
mail : works@infocom.co.ug

Mr. Godfrey Kibuuka, Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications, P.O. Box 10,
Entebbe, Tel : 256-41-320599, Fax : 256-41-320135, e-mail : works@infocom.co.ug

Mr. Patrick Mwesigwa, Technical Manager, Uganda Communications Commission, P.O. Box 7376,
Entebbe, Tel : 256-41-339004, Fax : 256-41-348832, E-mail : pmwesigwa@ucc.co.ug

ZAMBIA
Mr. Shuller Habeenzu, Chief Executive/Controller, Communications Authority of Zambia, P.O. box
36871, Lusaka, Tel : 260-246696, Fax : 260-246701, E-mail : haeenzus@caz.gov.zm

ZIMBABWE

Honourable Andrew Langa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport and Communications, P.O. Box CY
595, Causeway, Harare, Tel : 263-4-700991-9, Fax : 263-4-737358

Mr. A. Mutangu, Minister’s Aipe, Ministry of Transport and Communications, P.O. box CY 595,
Causeway, Harare, Tel : 263-4-700991-9, Fax : 263-4-737358

Dr. Cuthbert Chidoori, Director General, POTRAZ, P.O. Box MP 843, Mt Pleasant, Harare, tel  : 263-4-
333032, Fax : 263-4-333041, E-mail : Cuthbert.Chidoori@potraz.gov.zw

Mr. Thomas Mandigora, Chief Executive Officer, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box CY
496, Casueway, Harare, Tel : 263-4-797380, Fax : 263-4-797375, E-mail : tmandi@mweb.co.zw

Dr. Nyepudzayi Mercy Nyangulu, Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
(POTRAZ), P.O. Box MP 843, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Tel : 00263-4-333032, Fax : 00263-4-773370, E-
mail : nyanguludr@hotmail.com

Ms. Bridget Mhonderwa, Administrative Officer, Ministry of Transport and Communications, P.O. Box
CY 595, Causeway, Harare, Tel : 263-4-700991-9, Fax : 263-4-737358, E-mail :
dambu2861@yahoo.co.uk

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS

ANDERBERG – ERICSSON CONSORTIUM

Mr. Francis Osakonor, Anderberg – Ericsson Consortium, P.O. Box 1055, Rivonia 2128,
Johannesburg, South Africa, Tel : 27-11-656-7502, Fax : 27-11-656-1421, E-mail :
francis.oskonor@anderberg.com

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB)

Mr. Ini Johnson Urua, Principal Industrial Engineer, African Development Bank, Rue du Ghana, Tunis,
Tunisia, Tel : 216-71103053, E-mail : u.ini@afdb.org

Mr. Sadok Zerelli, Consultant,, Tunis, African Development Bank , Rue du ghana, Tunis, Tunisia, Tel:
216-71103580, E-mail : szerelli@afdb.org

ATDI

Ms. Stella Monod, Executive Vice President, ATDI, 8 Rue de l’Arcade, 75008, Paris, France, Tel :
331-53308140, Fax : 331-53308149, E-mail : smonod@atdi.com

Mr. Jean-Paul Chaib, Area Sales Manager, ATDI, 8 Rue de l’Arcade, 75008, Paris France, Tel : 331-
153308948, Fax : 331-53308949 ; jpchaib@atdi.com

CATIA

Dr. Adam Lishan, CATIA, P.O. Box 2308, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Tel : 2519-400510, Fax : 2511-
602624, E-mail : lishan@bitsct.low
DETECON

Dr. Hevermann Aruulf, Managing Partner, Detecon, Oberkasselerst.2, 53221, Bonn, Tel : +49-228-
7001500, Fax : 49-228-2001507, E-mail : arnulf.heuermann@detecon.com

DIMENSION DATA AFRICA

Mr. James McCormack, Dimension Data Africa, Tel : 27 –11-5750000, Fax : 27-11-5763145, E-mail :
james.mcmormack@za.didata.com

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY (ECA)

Mr. Enock Yonazi, Engineer Planner – Communications, East African Community Secretariat, P.O.
Box 1096, Arusha, Tel : 255-27-2504253, Fax : 255-27-2504255, E-mail : eyonazi@eachq.org

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Mr. Patrick Boateng, Advisor for Africa, Federal Communications Commission, 445, 12th Street, S.W.
Washington D.C 20554, Tel : 202-418-2370 ; Fax : 202-418-0398, E-mail : Patrick Boateng@fcc.gov

IGAD

Mr. Azhari F. Alkarim, Chief Transport, Communications and Telecommunications, IGAD, P.O. Box
2653, Djibouti, Tel : 253-354050, Fax : 253-353520, E-mail : azhari.karim@igad.org

INTERNEWS INTERNATIONAL

Mr. Eric Johnson, Director, Cité Griset, Paris 75011, France, Tel : +33-1-5336-0606, E-mail :
johnson@internews.tv

ITU

Mr. Marcelino R. Tayob, Area Representative – Southern Africa, ITU, P.O. Box BE 792, Harare, Tel :
263-4-775941, Fax : 263-4-771257, E-mail : marcelino.tayob@itu.int

HP EAST AFRICA

Mr. Ken Mbwaya, Managing Director, P.O. Box 64032, Nairobi 00620, Tel : 254-20-2716111, Fax :
254-20-2723902, E-mail : Ken.Mbwaya@hp.com

NEPAD

Mr. Ahmed Kassam, NEPAD – Special Advisor – Microsoft, P.O. Box 5187, R’vonia 2128, South
Africa, Tel : 27-11-361-0820, Fax : 27-11-361-0821, E-mail : b-Ahmedk@microsoft.com

Mr. Gaston Bushayija, Technical Manager, NEPAD Secretariat, P.O. Box 1234, Halfway House,
Midrand 1685, South Africa, Tel : 27-11-313-3793, Fax : 27-11-313-3778

UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (UNECA)

Mr. Mohamed Timoulali, Regional Advisor, UNECA, P.O. Box 3001, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel : 251-
151167, Fax : 251-1510511, E-mail : mtimoulali@uneca.org
Mr. Gordon J. Anyango, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UNECA, P.O. Box 4654, Kigali, Rwanda,
Tel : 250-586549, Fax : 250-586546, E-mail : anyango@uneca.org

USAID/REDSO

Mr. Josphat Wachira, Regional ICT Development Specialist, USAID, P.O. Box 30261, NAIROBI, Tel :
254-020-862400, E-mail : jwachira@usaid.gov

Mr. Esther W. Muchiri, ICT Programme Specialist, REDSO/ESA, P.O. Box 30261, 00100, Nairobi, Tel :
254-020-862400, Fax : 254-020-860870, E-mail : emuchiri@usaid.gov

Mr. Greg Howell, Regional Private Sector Advisor, USAID/REDSO, P.O. Box 30261, 00100, Nairobi,
Tel : 254-20-862400/2 Ext 2500, Fax : 254-20-860870/949, E-mail : ghowell@usaid.gov

Mr. William Krist, USAID Consultant, Tel : 703-989-2626, Fax : 703-250-6855, E-mail :
wkkrist@aol.com

UNIVERSITY EDUARDO MONDLANE

Mr. Venancio Massingue, Vice Rector (Prof or Eng), University Eduardo Mondlane. G.P. 257, Maputo,
Mozambique, Tel : +258-82-300271, Fax : +258-82-307272, E-mail : veriancio.massingue@uem.mz

ASSAM (INDIA)

Dr. Baharul Islam, Chairman Technical Council, Assam (India), P.B. 3002, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel :
00251-9-403722, Fax : 00251-1-510512/084-80532, E-mail : bislam@uneca.org

MICROSOFT

Mr. Louis Otieno, East Africa Regional Manager, Microsoft, Nairobi, Kenya, Tel : 254-202-68000, E-
mail : lotieno@microsfot.com

Lamine Sano, ICT Expert, 6032 Spalding Forest Ct, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Tel : 250-08-443428,
sanol@spumac.com

COMESA SECRETARIAT, COMESA CENTRE, BEN BELLA ROAD, P.O. BOX 30051, LUSAKA
10101, ZAMBIA, TEL : 260-1-229726/29, FAX : 260-1-225107, E-MAIL :
secgen@comesa.int, WEB : http://www.comesa.int

Mr. Erastus J.O. Mwencha, MBS, Secretary General, emwencha@comesa.int

Mr. Amos Marawa, Director Infrastructure Development, amarawa@comesa.int

Mr. Sherin Shourky, Director Information Technology, shourky@comesa.int

Dr. Abu Sufian Dafalla, Telecoms Officer, adafalla@comesa.int

Mrs. Gizila Takavarasha, Finance Officer, gtakavarasha@comesa.int

Mr. Fidéle Kandikandi, Telecom Consultant, fkandikandi@comesa.int

Mrs. Susan Munalula Zulu, Secretary, szulu@comesa.int

Mr. Felix Mama Uwizeyi, French Secretary, National University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 56, Kigali

Ms. Rosine, French Secretary, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 56, Kigali

Ms. Christine Mukarwamba, Secretary, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 56, Kigali
Mr. Cleophas Kananugire, Secretary, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 56, Kigali

TRANSLATOR

Mr. Canisius Rusagara, Translator, B.P. 635, Kigali, Tel : 08461256, E-mail : rusac1@yahoo.com

INTERPRETERS

Mr. Canisius Muganza, Conference Interpreter, C/o Symposia S.A.R.L., P.O. Box 5234, Kigali, Tel :

08503798/08301568, Fax : 582567, E-mail : pcmuganza@yahoo.com

Mr. Aimabu R. Rumongi, Interpreter, Symposia Consult, B.P. 5234, Kigali, Tel : 250-582567/08-
300380, E-mail : arumongi@hotmail.com

Mr. Joseph Rurangwa, Interpreter, Symposia Consult, B.P. 5234, Kigali, Tel : 250-582567, E-mail :
frurangwa@yahoo.com

Ms. Salone Rwiliriza, Conference Interpreter, P.O. Box 63825, Muthaiga 0619, Nairobi, Kenya,
Tel : 00254-723,939320, E-mail : s_rwiliriza@hotmail.com