Zimbabwe welcomes SADC delegates to key regional infrastructure meeting

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE has welcomed fellow SADC member states to the Sixth SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology, currently underway at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

The meeting has brought together member states, SADC Secretariat officials, policymakers, technical experts and stakeholders committed to advancing regional integration, economic development and sustainable growth across the region.

In his welcome remarks, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Nyoni said the sectors represented within the cluster — Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology — are critical enablers of socio-economic development.

“These sectors facilitate trade and investment, connect people and markets, enhance access to information and services, and strengthen the region’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges, including those associated with climate change, technological transformation and innovation,” he said.

Mr Nyoni noted that SADC member states recognise regional integration as one of the most effective pathways towards achieving sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

He said the development of efficient transport networks, modern digital infrastructure, reliable information systems and effective meteorological services remains central to achieving the region’s development objectives.

The meeting, he added, provides an important platform to review progress in implementing regional programmes and projects, exchange experiences and best practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and strengthen collaboration in pursuit of common goals.

Mr Nyoni reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Southern African Development Community, saying infrastructure development, digital transformation, innovation and digital productivity remain key priorities under the country’s national development agenda.

“We therefore attach great importance to initiatives that promote the seamless movement of people, goods, services, information and capital across the region,” he said.

Mr Nyoni welcomed the inclusion of a High-Level Ministerial Roundtable Dialogue on the theme, “Advancing Climate-Smart and Resilient Infrastructure Through Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in the SADC Region,” saying it reflects the growing importance of innovation and emerging technologies in addressing regional development challenges and building resilient infrastructure for the future.

He said Zimbabwe was delighted to host delegates in Bulawayo, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and hospitality.

Mr Nyoni expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute significantly to strengthening regional co-operation and advancing the socio-economic development aspirations of the region.

The Sixth SADC Cluster Meeting is expected to deliberate on key issues affecting transport, information and communication technologies, information services and meteorology, with outcomes aimed at improving regional connectivity, trade facilitation and resilience across Southern Africa.