7 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats · · · · · · Strengths (Internal) Political and economic stability in the Southern African region Traders who are by and large ICT receptive. National stakeholder partnerships Existence of Bilateral initiatives Ongoing Regional initiatives Existing strategic partnerships potential for expansion Opportunities (External) · Readily available policies and frameworks (not going into unchartered waters). · Possible joint development effort with COMESA (and EAC?), for Transit Management System. · The advancements in technology such as SOA allows easier exchange of data · Leverage with the SADC Organ WAN project Weaknesses (Internal) · Varying level of technological development/ infrastructure between MS. · MS using different data structures. · MS belonging to multiple different REC’s. · Lack of regional ICT approach. · Poor turnaround times in exchange of information · Poor mechanisms for addressing Threats (External) · Transnational crime Weaknesses 7.1 Risks Some of the common risks identified by Revenue and Customs Authorities/Administrations in the region relate to: · · · · · · Level of technological development including infrastructure between Member States varies; Organisation composition of the member states - i.e. Customs Department, Revenue Authority, and Border Management Agency; Customs administrations using different data structures within their IT systems. Membership to different RECs; Lack of capacitating legislation in member states; and Lack of a regional legislative framework for data interchange In adequate funding for some member states. 7 Draft SADC Customs ICT Strategy 2012 Page 7