Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
THE SADC Secretariat will convene a Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Information and Meteorology from June 22 to 26 in Bulawayo to discuss infrastructure and digital transformation in the region.
SADC head of communication and public relations, Ms Barbara Lopi, said in a statement that the Government of Zimbabwe will host the meeting through the ministries of Transport and Infrastructural
Development; Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services; Environment, Climate and Wildlife and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa, Barbara Creecy, will lead deliberations in her capacity as chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology.
Ministers and senior policymakers from all SADC Member States will attend.
“This high-level engagement will bring together Ministers and Senior Policymakers from SADC Member
States to deliberate on strategic priorities aimed at strengthening regional infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable development across the region,” said Ms Lopi.
The cluster meeting is meant to facilitate coordinated policy dialogue, strengthen regional cooperation and advance harmonised programmes.
Discussions will centre on enhancing regional transport corridors and infrastructure development to reduce logistics costs and improve the movement of goods across borders.
It also promotes digital transformation and ICT integration to align policies and expand digital access for inclusive growth.
Furthermore, it strengthens climate resilience and meteorological services — improving early warning systems as climate shocks increase — and advances AI-driven innovations to support the planning, maintenance, and efficiency of regional infrastructure.
“The convening of this Cluster Meeting underscores SADC’s continued commitment to regional integration through coordinated infrastructure development and policy alignment among Member
States,” said Ms Lopi.
“The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to improved efficiency in regional systems, enhanced trade facilitation and strengthened resilience to climate and economic challenges.”
The ministerial meeting will be preceded by two technical engagements: 22- 24 June, a Joint Meeting of SADC Senior Officials Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology; 25 June, High-
Level Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on Liberalised Skies and AI-Enabled Climate Resilient Infrastructure to Accelerate Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in SADC.
The roundtable will specifically address aviation liberalisation and AI-driven infrastructure solutions seen as critical for climate-proofing the region.
Hosting the cluster in Bulawayo puts Zimbabwe at the centre of regional decisions on transport corridors, ICT networks and climate services that underpin SADC’s trade and development goals.
