Bongani Ndlovu
Welcome to our live coverage of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology, taking place in Bulawayo from today to June 26.
The Government of Zimbabwe is hosting the high-level regional meeting through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Ministers and senior policymakers from all 16 SADC Member States are expected to attend the five-day gathering, which focuses on infrastructure development, digital transformation and regional integration.
Our Senior Reporter Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Chief photographer Eliah Saushoma will be giving us updates.
WATCH: SADC States urged to fast-track infrastructure projects
SADC member states have been urged to accelerate the implementation of regional infrastructure projects and ensure that decisions taken at regional level translate into tangible benefits for citizens across the region.
Speaking during the opening of the SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology in Bulawayo on Monday, South Africa’s Director-General in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and chairperson of the Committee of Senior Officials, Ms Nonkqubela Thathakahle Jordan-Dyani, said the sectors under discussion remain critical enablers of economic growth, trade, connectivity and sustainable development.
She commended the Government of Zimbabwe for hosting the meeting and providing excellent arrangements for delegates.
“These sectors remain critical enablers of economic growth, trade, connectivity as well as sustainable development across our region. Our citizens look to SADC not only for commitments and declarations, but for tangible improvements in their daily lives. They expect integrated and modern transport networks, greater and affordable digital connectivity, improved access to information, stronger climate resilience and opportunities that support economic growth, entrepreneurship and job creation,” said Ms Jordan-Dyani.
She said senior officials have a responsibility to ensure regional co-operation mechanisms operate effectively and deliver measurable outcomes.
“As senior officials, our responsibility is clear — to ensure that regional co-operation mechanisms operate effectively with clear accountability and deliver measurable outcomes. We serve as the bridge between the strategic decisions of our ministers and heads of state and practical implementation of regional programmes and policies,” she said.
Ms Jordan-Dyani noted that the regional integration agenda remains anchored in the SADC Vision 2050 and guided by the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030.
She said delegates would spend the next three days reviewing progress in key sectors, including regional connectivity, policy and regulatory frameworks, innovation, transport infrastructure and meteorological co-operation.
“Our agenda is both substantive and strategic. On information and communications technologies, we will be reviewing progress in expanding regional connectivity, strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, advancing research and innovation, promoting industry development and enhancing regional postal services,” she said.
“On transport and meteorology, we will consider progress related to aviation, road transport infrastructure, regional transport corridors, transport management and meteorological co-operation. These sectors remain fundamental to facilitating trade, mobility, economic competitiveness and regional integration.”
Ms Jordan-Dyani emphasised the importance of reviewing the implementation of decisions previously adopted by ministers, saying the credibility of regional institutions depended on effective execution.
“The credibility of our regional institutions depends not only on the quality of the decisions we make or propose to our principals, but also on our ability to implement them effectively. This review presents an opportunity to assess progress, identify implementation challenges and strengthen accountability across our programmes and institutions,” she said.
She challenged delegates to reflect on whether the pace of implementation of regional infrastructure projects was satisfactory and whether regional connectivity was being transformed into increased trade, investment and economic opportunities.
“The true measure of our success lies not in the number of meetings we hold, but in the impact of our collective action,” she said.
The cluster meeting brings together senior officials from SADC member states and regional partners to deliberate on issues affecting transport, ICT, information and meteorology, with outcomes expected to contribute towards improved regional connectivity, trade facilitation and resilience to climate and economic challenges.
Zimbabwe welcomes SADC delegates to key regional infrastructure meeting
ZIMBABWE has welcomed fellow SADC member states to the Sixth SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology, currently underway at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The meeting has brought together member states, SADC Secretariat officials, policymakers, technical experts and stakeholders committed to advancing regional integration, economic development and sustainable growth across the region.
In his welcome remarks, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni said the sectors represented within the cluster — Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology — are critical enablers of socio-economic development.
“These sectors facilitate trade and investment, connect people and markets, enhance access to information and services, and strengthen the region’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges, including those associated with climate change, technological transformation and innovation,” he said.
Mr Nyoni noted that SADC member states recognise regional integration as one of the most effective pathways towards achieving sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and shared prosperity.
He said the development of efficient transport networks, modern digital infrastructure, reliable information systems and effective meteorological services remains central to achieving the region’s development objectives.
The meeting, he added, provides an important platform to review progress in implementing regional programmes and projects, exchange experiences and best practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and strengthen collaboration in pursuit of common goals.
Mr Nyoni reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Southern African Development Community, saying infrastructure development, digital transformation, innovation and digital productivity remain key priorities under the country’s national development agenda.
“We therefore attach great importance to initiatives that promote the seamless movement of people, goods, services, information and capital across the region,” he said.
Mr Nyoni welcomed the inclusion of a High-Level Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on the theme, “Advancing Climate-Smart and Resilient Infrastructure Through Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in the SADC Region,” saying it reflects the growing importance of innovation and emerging technologies in addressing regional development challenges and building resilient infrastructure for the future.
He said Zimbabwe was delighted to host delegates in Bulawayo, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
Mr Nyoni expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute significantly to strengthening regional co-operation and advancing the socio-economic development aspirations of the region.
The Sixth SADC Cluster Meeting is expected to deliberate on key issues affecting transport, information and communication technologies, information services and meteorology, with outcomes aimed at improving regional connectivity, trade facilitation and resilience across Southern Africa.
