Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Director General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Dr Gift Machengete, has been appointed Chair of the Regional Development Forum (RDF) for Africa.
The appointment was announced during the opening session of the forum, currently being hosted by Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls and attended by ministers, regulators, development partners, industry leaders, and representatives from across the African continent.
The Regional Development Forum for Africa is one of the most important platforms convened by the International Telecommunication Union through its Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
The forum brings together governments, regulators, regional organisations, industry stakeholders, and development partners to deliberate on Africa’s ICT development priorities and strategies for accelerating digital transformation across the continent.
As Chair of the forum, Dr Machengete will lead engagements focused on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing initiatives aimed at expanding meaningful connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, enhancing cybersecurity, fostering innovation, and improving access to digital opportunities for all Africans.
Accepting the chairmanship on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, Dr Machengete expressed appreciation to member states and stakeholders for the confidence placed in Zimbabwe.
“It is my great honour to accept the chairmanship of the Regional Development Forum for Africa, in our capacity as the host country. I sincerely thank all member states and stakeholders for the confidence placed in us,” he said.
Dr Machengete noted that Zimbabwe was privileged to host the important gathering at a time when Africa is accelerating its journey towards a more connected, innovative, and digitally empowered future.
He highlighted the importance of the forum as a platform for reflecting on Africa’s collective aspirations to bridge the digital divide, empower young people through technology and innovation, and build resilient digital economies capable of improving livelihoods and driving sustainable socio-economic development.
The Regional Development Forum for Africa serves as a strategic platform for reviewing progress in ICT and telecommunications development across the continent while identifying priority actions needed to accelerate digital transformation. It also provides African countries with an opportunity to shape and influence global ICT development discussions within the ITU framework, including preparations for the World Telecommunication Development Conferences and related international programmes.
The forum aligns Africa’s ICT priorities with the broader objectives of the ITU-D and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that digital development contributes directly to economic growth, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social progress.
Deliberations at the forum are expected to focus on key policy and development areas, including broadband expansion and universal access, spectrum management, digital broadcasting, cybersecurity and child online protection, digital skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship, emergency telecommunications, and the creation of local digital content.
The forum also recognises the growing importance of ICTs in transforming sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and finance, where technology is increasingly driving inclusive growth and improving service delivery across Africa.
Dr Machengete emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, industry players, and development partners in shaping a digital future that is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all citizens.
“Together, we have the opportunity to shape a digital future for Africa that is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to all our people,” he said.
During the forum, delegates are expected to engage in high-level discussions aimed at producing practical solutions, strengthening partnerships, and advancing concrete strategies that will help position Africa as a competitive and resilient participant in the global information society.
derick.khumalo