Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
THE SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology concluded in Bulawayo on Friday with the adoption of 75 key milestone resolutions aimed at accelerating regional integration, economic transformation and climate resilience across Southern Africa.
The week-long meeting, which brought together ministers and senior officials from across the region, built on earlier high-level deliberations where member states reaffirmed transport, digital infrastructure, meteorological services and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence as critical enablers of sustainable development.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona said efficient transport systems, modern digital infrastructure and reliable weather services were now indispensable to regional competitiveness, adding that artificial intelligence and climate-smart technologies must be harnessed to future-proof infrastructure.
“This dialogue came at a critical moment for our region. As SADC pursues deeper regional integration, we must strengthen the systems that connect our economies, our people and our markets,” said Minister Mhona.
He said member states must continue advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to improve connectivity, lower travel costs and unlock trade and tourism opportunities.
The Ministerial Cluster Meeting also followed a high-level round table dialogue on liberalised skies and AI-enabled climate-resilient infrastructure, where officials emphasised the need for coordinated investment in aviation, digital systems and disaster preparedness.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the cluster sectors remain mutually reinforcing pillars of integration, highlighting ongoing investments in broadband expansion, e-Government services and aviation infrastructure in Zimbabwe, including upgrades at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
He also stressed the need for a unified regional communications strategy to counter misinformation and strengthen SADC’s voice globally.
“There is increasing recognition among member states of the need for SADC to communicate with one unified voice amid the proliferation of misinformation and competing global narratives,” said Minister Soda.
He said member states were exploring regional broadcasting platforms, including a possible SADC television channel and radio network to enhance visibility and cohesion.
In a related address, Minister Soda also expressed gratitude to SADC member states for their continued solidarity with Zimbabwe in its campaign against illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries.
“Your unwavering stance has been a source of our strength. It’s this spirit of collective defence and mutual support that defines our community,” he said.
The meeting also paid tribute to the late Zimbabwean diplomat and National Hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, whose service was described as symbolic of enduring regional cooperation.
Minister Soda said the cluster meeting marked the culmination of intensive deliberations by senior officials and technical experts who reviewed progress on regional programmes and developed recommendations aimed at strengthening connectivity, digital transformation, trade facilitation and climate resilience.
South African Transport Minister and meeting chairperson Barbara Creecy said the 75 adopted decisions represented a significant milestone in advancing regional integration.
“We have spent many dedicated hours allowing us to take the important decisions, 75 important decisions that we’ve taken this morning,” she said.
She commended Zimbabwe for hosting the meeting, describing Bulawayo as the “City of Kings and Queens” and praising the warmth and hospitality extended to delegates.
The resolutions are expected to provide a roadmap for strengthening transport corridors, ICT systems, meteorological cooperation and information services across the SADC region, with a focus on sustainable development, climate adaptation and efficient movement of goods and people.
The cluster meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by SADC member states to align regional policies with continental development frameworks, including the African union Agenda 2063.
