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Government Ministers Approve EASSy Cable Operational Principles | 16 May 2008 |

Johannesburg, 8 June 2006. Government Ministers responsible for ICT from eastern and southern Africa unanimously approved the NEPAD ICT Broadband Network, including the East Africa Submarine System Project (EASSy) operational principles. They also approved roadmap to speedy implementation of the construction of the EASSy cable, scheduled to be operational in year 2008. The announcement was made during a press conference convened, 6 June 2006, after a 2 days' Government Ministers' meeting attended by countries from eastern and southern Africa.

Countries represented included Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa.

Specifically, the Ministers discussed the draft protocol on regulatory, legal and policy frameworks for the implementation of the NEPAD ICT Infrastructure Broadband Network, including EASSy cable, and agreed on a number of issues. The ministers would consult with their respective governments over the draft protocol, which would then be signed in August 2006 in Kigali, Rwanda.

We "commit ourselves to take such actions, within our respective countries as are necessary to ensure an early approval by our Governments of a Protocol on Policy and Regulatory Framework for NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network for eastern and Southern Africa and to arrange for the earliest possible signature and ratification of the Protocol as may be applicable", read part of the declaration approved by the Ministers.

Countries United and Committed to EASSy Cable Project

"We have agreed on a number of areas around implementation of EASSy cable. We re-affirm our commitment to speedy implementation of the project, which will go a long way to improve our telecommunications systems, thus bridging the digital divide and improving African lives", said Lesotho's Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Mr Thomas Thabane, who chaired the press conference.

Dr Ivy Matsepe Casaburri, South Africa's Minister of Communications said that African countries were united in the eradication of poverty, ensuring sustainable growth and development, integration of Africa, and empowerment of those who are vulnerable. She said the project would demonstrate partnerships and African collaboration and ownership.

"It is for this reason that the NEPAD principles and objectives have guided the policy formulation process for the development of the NEPAD Broadband ICT Infrastructure project", Dr Casaburri noted.

In response to allegations that appeared in press that Kenya and South Africa had differences over the EASSy cable, both countries disassociated themselves from the press statements.

"I was surprised to see these allegations in the press because the Kenyan Government is committed to this EASSy cable and looking forward to its speedy implementation. What Kenya wants, just like any other EASSy member country, is to ensure that this project is implemented as soon as yesterday. There has been no misunderstanding between South Africa and Kenya", said Mr David Were, Kenyan Deputy Minister of Communications. Participants blamed the media for creating a picture of disharmony between Kenya and South Africa, which would be interpreted to mean divisions among the EASSy parties.

‘Open access' model adopted

In the declaration presented to the press, EASSy member countries adopted the ‘open access' principle of operation that allows any registered company in EASSy cable Project member countries to join as and when it wished. Open access is considered the best model that would lead to reduction in telecommunications costs.

Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, South Africa's Minister of Communications, noted that the open access model would ensure a level playing field and equal access. She commended the approval of the declaration as a demonstration of the collaboration among African countries, which is one of the principles of NEPAD.

Dr. Henry Chasia, Executive Deputy Chairman of the NEPAD e-Africa Commission, stated that "all parties that wish to participate in the Eassy project would have to be guided by the declaration. What we are sure of is that the open access will reduce costs of telecommunications, which will lead to more people having access to affordable telecommunications. This will eventually lead to reduction of the digital divide and socio-economic growth of the African continent".

The Ministers noted that construction of the SAT 3 Project in West Africa had not led to reduction in telecommunications costs due to the "consortium model" adopted by the companies, which formed an exclusive ‘club', making it difficult for other interested parties to join. In the ‘open access' model proposed by the Ministers, all entities wishing to join will pay same funds for the infrastructure and mechanisms will be put in place to control prices.

Rwanda to host the special purpose vehicle

The Ministers selected Rwanda to host the headquarters of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which is the entity to construct, own, maintain and operate the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network, including the EASSy cable, on ‘open access' principles.

"Taking into account the commitment, at highest level, of the Government of Rwanda to develop the ICT sector and use ICTs for socio-economic development, Rwanda shall be the domicilium for the SVP", read the Ministers' declaration in part.

The SPV will also ensure that the Infrastructure meets the development and commercial objectives, and operates in accordance with NEPAD's objectives and principles.

"Rwanda appreciates the trust that EASSy cable Project member countries have vested into her to host the project. Rwanda rates ICT highly as an enabler of development and will work towards ensuring the success of the project", said Mr Stanislaus Kamanz. Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure in his statement.

Mauritius joins NEPAD ICT Project and EASSy cable

Mauritius became the latest country to join the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Network, including the EASSy cable that now stands at 24 countries. Other countries are Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Somalia, Malawi, Zambia, DRC, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Burundi, Swaziland, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Sudan, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa.

A feasibility study would be carried out to determine financial implications of connecting Mauritius to the EASSy cable, among other things.

The NEPAD Broadband Infrastructure Project, including the East African Submarine Cable System (EASSy), was identified as one of the NEPAD ICT flagship projects by the Summit of the NEPAD Heads of States and Governments Implementation Committee held in Algiers on November 23, 2004.

Currently estimated to cost USD 280 million (USD 300 million including Mauritius), the EASSy cable will run from Durban, South Africa to Port Sudan in Sudan. Ninety percent of the equity funding is expected to be raised from within the African continent. Other sources, including the World Bank will provide debt. The World Bank has indicated that DFIs might provide as much as USD 170 million under some conditions.

For more information about the event, please contact:

Samuel Mikenga
Manager, Public Communications
NEPAD e-Africa Commission
Email: SMikenga@eafricacommission.org
Tel: +27 12 841 4523 (office)
Tel: +27 725 296 769 (mobile)
Fax: +27 12 841 4094
Pretoria; South Africa
Website: www.eafricacommission.org