Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
SOUTHERN African Development Community (SADC) member states have been urged to maintain the momentum generated during the Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology by accelerating the implementation of outstanding regional decisions and programmes aimed at deepening integration.
Speaking during her remarks at the opening of of the ministerial meeting in Bulawayo on Friday, South Africa’s Minister of Transport and chairperson of the SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers, Barbara Creecy, said the region had made significant progress but now needed to focus on implementation.
“We must sustain the momentum and ensure full implementation of all outstanding decisions,” she said.
Minister Creecy also underscored the importance of the SADC Trade and Transport Facilitation project, supported by the African Development Bank, describing it as a key driver of regional integration through investments in customs modernisation, transit management systems, cross-border cooperation and railway planning.
She said the project continues to strengthen the efficiency of the North-South Corridor and other strategic transport routes that are critical to regional trade and economic development.
“Progress being made through initiatives such as the Corridor Trip Monitoring System, the development of the Regional Railway Master Plan and ongoing port infrastructure upgrades and operational reforms designed to improve efficiency and facilitate the movement of goods across Southern Africa, are acknowledged,” said Minister Creecy.
She said discussions during Thursday’s session had underscored the important role of ministers, senior government officials and governance institutions in providing the political leadership required to address poverty, inequality and other development challenges facing the region.
The minister said delegates had also emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships that promote inclusive development and ensure that no citizen is left behind.
She noted that regional integration of network industries remains fundamental to unlocking the full economic potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Without integrated, AI-empowered digital public infrastructure, we cannot realise shared prosperity, as many will still be left behind. Without better integration of transport modes in common regional logistics corridors, we will not effectively move people and goods,” she said.
Minister Creecy said these ambitions cannot be achieved by individual countries working in isolation but require stronger regional cooperation in transport, logistics and digital infrastructure.
She said ministers were expected to adopt important decisions covering aviation governance, road safety, environmental transition and digital development, all of which are intended to strengthen regional integration and improve connectivity.
Calling on member states to remain committed to the founding principles of SADC, Minister Creecy said the region should continue promoting collective self-reliance, political harmony, peace and security, democratic values, the rule of law and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.
“Greater economic integration, including the free movement of goods, services and people, remains essential to eradicating poverty, improving livelihoods and achieving sustainable development across Southern Africa,” said Minister Creecy.
