Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
MINISTERS responsible for Transport, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Information and Meteorology have called for accelerated investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI), integrated transport systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, as Southern Africa intensifies efforts to deepen regional integration, boost trade and modernise critical networks.
The commitments emerged during a high-level Ministerial Roundtable held in Bulawayo this Thursday, where regional leaders examined strategies to liberalise African airspace, harness emerging technologies and strengthen infrastructure against the growing threat of climate change.
Addressing the roundtable, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona, said the region must embrace practical solutions and digital technologies to advance transport and infrastructure development.
“Now is the time for us to offer pragmatic solutions to challenges before us as a region in order to advance regional integration in transport and infrastructure development. It is important for us to harness digital systems to build strong infrastructure for our transport corridors,” he said.
Acting Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology, Ms Barbara Creecy, highlighted the need for member states to address fragmented transport networks and the growing impact of extreme weather events.
“The meeting has explored how digital transformation and resilient infrastructure are key in strengthening regional integration. Our roads are fragmented, and extreme weather conditions are proving to be a hurdle. We have to harmonise our transport systems and integrate our regional corridors,” she said.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angèle Makombo N’Tumba, stressed the importance of adopting an integrated approach to transport, aviation and meteorological services.
“The transport sector is a key economic enabler of trade within the region. We have to strengthen our partnership in the transport and infrastructure sector,” she said.
Zimbabwe reaffirmed its commitment to investing in AI, digital infrastructure and information systems as critical drivers of trade and regional integration.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Zhemu Soda, urged African countries to embrace and localise emerging technologies.
“As Africans, we have to invest in digital infrastructure to promote our sovereignty. We have to adopt AI tools and localise them to tell our own story as the Southern African region. These technologies are disruptive, but they are here to enhance our operations,” he said.
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu, said discussions also examined the growing importance of meteorological services, climate data systems and early warning mechanisms in supporting safe aviation and resilient transport infrastructure.
“Attention was given to AI and digital technologies as tools for managing climate risks and enhancing preparedness across regional infrastructure systems,” she said.
The European Union (EU) shared lessons from its own integration journey, noting that regional integration is a gradual process requiring sustained commitment from member states.
An EU representative said strengthening regional cooperation is essential for positioning African countries to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area and compete effectively in the global marketplace.
The roundtable underscored the importance of digital transformation, integrated transport systems and climate-resilient infrastructure as key enablers of SADC’s regional integration agenda.
