Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
BULAWAYO is set to host a high-level Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cluster meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology from June 22 to 26, as regional leaders seek to strengthen infrastructure development, digital transformation and climate resilience across Southern Africa.
The meeting, to be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds, is expected to bring together ministers and senior policymakers from SADC member states to deliberate on strategic priorities aimed at accelerating regional integration and sustainable development.
According to a media advisory issued by the SADC Secretariat, the meeting will focus on enhancing regional transport corridors, promoting ICT integration, strengthening meteorological services and advancing innovation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in infrastructure development.
The meeting will be 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.
South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, will preside over the meeting in her capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology.
A major highlight of the programme will be a high-level Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue scheduled for June 25 under the theme, “Liberalised Skies and AI-Enabled Climate Resilient Infrastructure to Accelerate Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in SADC.”
The dialogue is expected to explore ways of improving regional air connectivity while leveraging emerging technologies and climate-smart infrastructure to drive economic growth and integration within the bloc.
The ministerial meeting follows a Joint Meeting of SADC Senior Officials responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology, which will run from June 22 to 24.
In the advisory, SADC said the engagements are designed to facilitate coordinated policy dialogue, strengthen regional cooperation and advance harmonised programmes in transport, communications, ICT, meteorology and information services.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to improved efficiency in regional systems, enhanced trade facilitation and greater resilience to climate and economic challenges facing the region.
The regional bloc, which comprises 16 member states, continues to prioritise infrastructure development and policy harmonisation as key pillars for achieving deeper regional integration and sustainable socio-economic development.
