Story by Tichaona Kurewa
VICTORIA FALLS – THE SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has recommended the development of a regional model law to guide the adoption and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives across member states.
Over 300 delegates, including Speakers and Members of Parliament from across the SADC region, as well as representatives from development partners, converged in Victoria Falls for the 57th Assembly of the plenary session.
In his address, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Honourable Jacob Mudenda, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to enhancing parliamentary oversight and harmonisation of legislation across the region.
“The plenary session reaffirmed the central role of strengthening parliamentary capacity to monitor and advocate for SADC model laws, and resolved to enhance collaboration with development partners to support advocacy efforts for domestication and implementation,” he said.
Among the most notable outcomes was the agreement to develop a regional model law on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The proposed framework aims to guide member states in the responsible adoption and implementation of AI technologies, ensuring alignment with regional development goals and ethical standards.
“The Plenary Assembly acknowledged the proliferation of foreign AI technologies and emerging tools but urged member parliaments to collaborate with tertiary institutions to address the specific needs of SADC nations,” Honourable Mudenda said.
The Assembly also adopted a motion on strengthening cyber-security in the SADC region, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated legal, institutional and capacity-building strategies to tackle escalating cyber threats and reduce the digital divide.
Meanwhile, the 58th Plenary Assembly is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025 and will be hosted by South Africa.
