Tanzania has joined fellow Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states in charting a path towards stronger regional integration, climate resilience and digital transformation during a high-level ministerial meeting underway in Zimbabwe.
The Tanzanian delegation, led by Ambassador to Zimbabwe CP Suzan Kaganda, is participating in the SADC Ministers’ Meeting responsible for Transport, Infrastructure, Communications and Meteorology, which is being held in Bulawayo from June 22 to 26.
The gathering is taking place under the theme, “Open Skies and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Accelerate Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in SADC.”
The meeting comes at a time when Southern African countries are seeking to modernise transport systems, expand digital connectivity and strengthen infrastructure against the growing impacts of climate change, while harnessing emerging technologies to spur economic growth.
Before the ministerial session, technical experts and permanent secretaries met to review progress on regional programmes and formulate recommendations for consideration by ministers. Tanzania’s delegation during the preparatory meetings was led by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr Charles Msonde.
Discussions focused on a wide range of issues considered vital to the region’s development agenda, including the expansion of transport corridors, improvement of communication networks, advancement of information and communication technology (ICT), and enhancement of meteorological services.
Delegates also examined how artificial intelligence can be integrated into transport management, infrastructure planning and climate monitoring systems to improve efficiency and strengthen resilience across member states.
The meeting adopted a series of resolutions aimed at deepening cooperation in transport, communications, ICT and weather services, sectors widely regarded as key enablers of trade, investment and economic competitiveness within the SADC region.
The resolutions are expected to accelerate regional connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and people, improve access to digital services and support coordinated responses to climate-related challenges.
For Tanzania, participation in the summit reflects the country’s continued commitment to regional integration and its broader efforts to support sustainable infrastructure development, digital innovation and climate adaptation initiatives across Southern Africa.
As SADC countries pursue closer economic cooperation, the outcomes of the Bulawayo meeting are expected to contribute to the bloc’s long-term vision of building a more connected, resilient and prosperous region.
