By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
Senior government officials
from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have convened in
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to prepare for the upcoming ministerial meeting on
transport, information and communication technologies (ICT), information, and
meteorology.
The Cluster Meeting of
Senior Officials Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology
opened on June 22, 2026, serving as a technical preparatory platform for the
SADC Cluster Meeting of Ministers scheduled for June 26 in Bulawayo.
The officials are reviewing
and finalising key policy and programme documents that will be presented to
ministers for consideration. The meeting is also assessing progress made in
implementing regional initiatives across the transport, communications, ICT,
meteorology, and information sectors.
The session is being chaired
by Mrs. Nonkqubela Thathakahle Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of South Africa’s
Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, with support from Mrs.
Angele Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional
Integration.
In their opening remarks,
the two officials highlighted the importance of the meeting in advancing
regional integration through infrastructure development, digital
transformation, improved connectivity, and sustainable socio-economic growth.
They stressed the need for stronger policy coordination and accelerated
implementation of regional programmes aligned with the objectives of the SADC
Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.
Welcoming delegates to
Bulawayo, Mr. Paul Nyoni, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and
Devolution for Bulawayo Province, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the
regional integration agenda. He underscored the role of coordinated
infrastructure development in promoting economic growth, trade, and
connectivity across Southern Africa.
The meeting has brought
together senior officials from all SADC Member States, alongside
representatives of international organisations, cooperating partners, and
development institutions. Their deliberations are expected to inform decisions
aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating development across
critical infrastructure and digital sectors.
Outcomes from the meeting
will be submitted to ministers later this week as SADC continues efforts to
deepen regional integration and enhance the competitiveness of member states
through coordinated policy implementation and investment in strategic sectors.
