Story by Margaret Matibiri
VICTORIA FALLS – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) scheduled to run from May 31 to June 7 in Victoria Falls.
The President will preside over the official opening ceremony on 2 June, which will be attended by over 300 delegates including Speakers and Members of Parliament, senior officials from the 15 SADC Member Parliaments, regional experts, and development partners.
Held under the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities,” the assembly aims to explore the transformative role of AI in enhancing legislative functions and fostering regional collaboration.
During the opening ceremony, SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma is expected to present the credentials of delegates to President Mnangagwa while solidarity messages will be delivered by Pan-African Parliament president Chief Fortune Charumbira, and Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Honourable Shally Josepha Raymond.
Also expected to address the Assembly is the President of the SADC PF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Honourable Justin Tokely.
A symposium on the application of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary business will follow the official opening. Local and regional AI experts, including those from universities, the private sector, and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services, led by Minister Tatenda Mavetera, will participate.
