Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
CABINET Ministers are attending the 6th SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 2, in Bulawayo.
They are Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, his deputy Omphile Marupi, the ministry’s permanent secretary Mr Nick Mangwana, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Permanent Secretary Dr Beaullar Chirume and senior government officials.
The Ministerial Meeting marks the culmination of a three-day intensive deliberations by senior officials, who reviewed progress on regional programmes, considered policy proposals, and developed recommendations aimed at advancing regional integration, connectivity, information dissemination, digital transformation, and meteorological services across the SADC region.
The ministers will consider and provide strategic guidance on key issues affecting the sectors under their purview, reinforcing SADC’s commitment to building efficient transport networks, expanding ICT infrastructure, strengthening information sharing, and enhancing climate and weather services to support sustainable socio-economic development.
The meeting is being hosted by the Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
Ms Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa, is presiding over the meeting in her capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology.
This high-level engagement brought together ministers and senior policymakers from SADC Member States to deliberate on strategic priorities aimed at strengthening regional infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable development across the region.
These engagements are designed to facilitate coordinated policy dialogue, strengthen regional cooperation and advance harmonised programmes in transport, communications, ICT, meteorology and information services.
The meeting focused on key priorities, including: enhancing regional transport corridors and infrastructure development; promoting digital transformation and ICT integration; strengthening climate resilience and meteorological services; and advancing innovation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in infrastructure development.
The convening of the cluster meeting underscores SADC’s continued commitment to regional integration through coordinated infrastructure development and policy alignment among Member States.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to improved efficiency in regional systems, enhanced trade facilitation and strengthened resilience to climate and economic challenges.
