Digital transformation tops SADC convention agenda

by MTHULISI SIBANDA 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has prioritised the promotion of digital transformation and information and communication technology (ICT) integration at its upcoming key convention.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe under the aegis of the Cluster Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology from June 22 to 26.

Apart from digital transformation and ICT, the convention will also focus on advancing innovation, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in infrastructure development across the 16-member bloc.

Other focus areas include enhancing regional transport corridors and infrastructure, as well as strengthening climate resilience and meteorological services.

South African minister Barbara Creecy, in her capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Committee of Ministers for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology, will chair the five-day meeting.

“The meeting is expected to contribute to improved regional connectivity, trade facilitation and resilience to climate and economic challenges,” the SADC Secretariat stated ahead of the ministers’ meeting set for the city of Bulawayo.

“These engagements are designed to facilitate coordinated policy dialogue, strengthen regional cooperation and advance harmonised programmes in transport, communications, ICT, meteorology and information services.”

The Secretariat said the meeting underscores SADC’s continued commitment to regional integration through coordinated infrastructure development and policy alignment among member states.

“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.”

Meetings aimed at AI-enabled climate-resilient infrastructure to accelerate regional integration and sustainable development will precede the cluster meeting.

SADC comprises Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Botswana-headquartered SADC is accelerating digital transformation by aligning regional policy, expanding digital infrastructure, standardising data and driving cross-border digital education.

These efforts support its Vision 2050 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa.

– CAJ News