“UNLOCKING THE ICT* INVESTMENT POTENTIAL IN AFRICA”
The theme of Union for steering the process of making “The African Connection” Strategy a reality.

 

CHALLENGES

• Africa has 12% of the world population but only 2% of telephone lines.

• The number of Internet hosts in Africa is less than 1% of the global Internet connections.

• Cost per line in Africa is more than US $2000 as compared to less than US $500 in developed countries.

• There is limited connectivity between African countries and furthermore the telephone charges between African countries.

• Expenditure by manufacturers and telecom operators in Africa on Research & Development is way below the global average (about 5% of gross turnover).

• Shortage of skills in emerging information and communication technologies is severe.

• Investment climate is not as attractive as in other developing economies of Latin America and Asia.

• Collaborative projects and initiatives between operators in Africa are minimal, (in light of the emerging mergers and global alliances).

OPPORTUNITIES

• Africa has the largest untapped market potential for telecommunications products and services in the world.

• The African Ministers’ Commitment and political-will towards the “African Connection” strategy is a great opportunity.

• The Restructuring of ATU will provide a new foundation for action.

• The Reform and Restructuring process in many Member States (Policy, Regulators and Multiple Operators) will enable faster investment flows into the Sector.

• New technologies especially of the Internet, WLL and VSAT will provide means to leap forward into the Global Information Society.

AGENDA

1. Adopt and implement the new Vision and Mission of the new Union as working partnership between Governments and ICT Industry.
- The Vision of the Union is to place Africa as an equal and active participant in the Global Information Society.
- The Mission of the Union is to promote the rapid development of info-communications in Africa in order to achieve universal access and service, in addition to full inter-country connectivity in the most effective and efficient manner.

2. Implement RIT recommendations and priority projects of the African Connection (under Ministerial Oversight committee).

3. Integrate project co-ordination of regional initiatives in Africa (E. A. Digital, RASCOM, COMTEL, Africa One, etc.).

4. Improve the working methods of the Union and give priority to the creation of the Business Unit in order to make the Union self-financing whilst delivering competitive services to Members.

5. Provide a platform for exchange of ‘best practices’ on sector restructuring, reform, liberalisation and privatisation.

6. Strengthen collaboration with ITU especially in the BDT Regional Programmes for Africa.

7. Invigorate ATU’s co-ordinating role in articulating African positions and inputs in global forums and conferences.

8. Build close working relationship with all stakeholders to ensure that they all fulfil their obligations.

9. Foster Research and Development collaboration between Industry and Universities for technology transfer and manufacture of affordable and durable products.

10. Promote collaboration between stakeholders in setting up emergency response communications systems as needed from time to time.

RESUME

Mr. Jan Mutai was elected Secretary General of African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on 7th December 1999. This was at the Extraordinary Session of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of Pan African Telecommunications Union (PATU) meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. The name was changed to ATU from PATU to signify the dramatic change of focus to a partnership between Governments and ICT Industry in promoting and building the telecoms infrastructures in Africa.

His previous position was that of Managing Director of Kenya Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (KP&TC;) in which he, inter alia, laid the foundation for the liberalisation and privatisation of the telecommunications sector in Kenya. In addition, he had built a wealth of management and engineering experience in the Oil Industry (Shell Group and BP Amoco) over a twenty-three year period. This included working as one of the Group’s expatriates in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland, Norway and Nigeria.

He has a proven track record of accomplishments, achievements and credible contributions as:-

Policy-Maker – He steered the process leading to the publication of the Postal and Telecommunications Policy Statements of January 1997 and April 1999.

Regulator - As Managing Director (MD) of KP&TC;, he regulated the Spectrum usage and the progressive liberalisation of the telecom sector (licensing of contractors, vendors and value-added service providers).

Operator – As MD of KP&TC;, he operated a telecom network of over 300,000 lines, a postal network with 400,000 postal boxes and a staff of over 26,000. In the three and a half year (3 ½) period, he launched new technologies and services including digital leased lines (KENSTREAM), GSM mobile services (SAFARICOM), wireless local loop (INSTAFON), Internet backbone (JAMBONET), smart-card payphones (TELCARD), VSAT networks (KENSAT), assembly of Personal Computers (ZEBRA), and revitalised courier services (EMS brands).

Director – Before joining KP&TC; in August 1995, he worked with Shell and British Petroleum (BP) Oil companies for over 23 years rising through the ranks from a Plant Engineer to a Director with responsibilities for Human Resources and Public Affairs. He has been a Director of several local and multinational companies for over ten (10) years.

Manager – After ten years (10) as an Engineer, he spent the next ten (10) in various Sales and Marketing positions (Consumer & Retail Manager, Area Manager, Market Planning Manager, Lubricants Business Manager).

Engineer – Upon graduation from the University of Nairobi with a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering, he gained invaluable experience in all aspects of engineering; from design, tender preparation, bid evaluation, construction/installation, supervision to commissioning and maintenance.

Consultant – He has steered, lead or been a member of several consultancy projects in the twenty-six (26) years of his working life. Most recent assignments included co-ordinating the work of six consulting teams involved in the re-structuring of KP&TC.; The earliest was Energy Efficiency/Conservation Consultant for Irish Shell Ltd., Dublin in the early eighties.

Jan MUTAI
ATU Secretary General
January, 17th 2000