Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level Ministerial Round Table Dialogue got underway in Bulawayo on Thursday, bringing together ministers, policymakers, industry leaders and development partners to chart a course for regional integration through improved transport systems, digital transformation and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The dialogue follows a three-day Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials, which reviewed progress across key sectors and finalized policy briefs on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), broadband expansion, artificial intelligence and disaster preparedness.
Ministers responsible for Transport, Civil Aviation, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Information and Meteorology are expected to provide strategic policy direction on regional connectivity, digital transformation and infrastructure resilience.
The meeting is being held under the theme, “Liberalised Skies and AI-Enabled Climate-Resilient Infrastructure to Accelerate Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in SADC.”
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The round table has attracted ministers, regulatory authorities, SADC agencies, international cooperating partners, private sector representatives, infrastructure and technology providers, financial institutions, small and medium enterprises and development partners.
Addressing delegates, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Felix Mhona reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to liberalising air services to enhance connectivity, trade, tourism and investment across the region.
He stressed the need to remove barriers to mobility, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen collective responses to climate change challenges affecting the region.
Mhona also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and transport efficiency, urging regional ministers to share ideas and develop practical solutions that promote regional integration and improve livelihoods.
Officials say the dialogue is intended to strengthen collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders to address long-standing challenges affecting transport and communication systems across Southern Africa.
Among the key issues under discussion are harmonised aviation taxes, route development and the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative aimed at creating a unified air transport market across the continent.
The dialogue is also examining the role of meteorological services, climate information, artificial intelligence and digital technologies in enhancing aviation safety, strengthening transport corridors and improving disaster preparedness.
Delegates are expected to consider measures that will accelerate the adoption of digital infrastructure and support climate-resilient transport systems as SADC countries seek to deepen regional integration and promote sustainable economic development.
The outcomes of the ministerial dialogue are expected to guide future policy decisions aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade and strengthening resilience to climate-related challenges across the region.
