Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology is underway in Bulawayo, bringing together regional leaders and technical experts to strengthen cooperation and accelerate regional integration.
The high-level meeting, which runs until June 26, is being hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe 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.
Proceedings began today with a Joint Meeting of Senior Officials, where delegates are deliberating on key policy, infrastructure, connectivity, information and meteorological issues ahead of the ministerial session.
Zimbabwe’s delegation from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is being led by Acting Permanent Secretary and Director of Finance and Administration, Mr Exavier Chisoko.
The engagements are taking place at Hall 2 of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds. The meeting provides a platform for SADC member states to assess progress on regional programmes, share best practices and develop coordinated strategies aimed at improving transport systems, accelerating digital transformation, enhancing information dissemination and strengthening meteorological services across the region.
The meeting is being chaired by Barbara Creecy, in her capacity as chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology.
The gathering has attracted ministers and senior policymakers from across the region who are expected to deliberate on strategic priorities designed to strengthen regional infrastructure, improve connectivity and promote sustainable development.
Key issues on the agenda include the enhancement of regional transport corridors and infrastructure development, promotion of digital transformation and ICT integration, strengthening climate resilience and meteorological services, and advancing innovation, particularly the application of artificial intelligence in infrastructure development.
The cluster meeting forms part of SADC’s broader efforts to deepen regional integration through coordinated infrastructure development and policy harmonisation among member states.
On June 25, ministers will participate in a High-Level Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Liberalised Skies and AI-Enabled Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, focusing on how innovation can accelerate regional integration and sustainable development.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to more efficient regional transport and communication systems, enhanced trade facilitation and improved resilience to climate and economic challenges across the SADC region.
