SADC Nations Encouraged to Enhance Cross-Border Infrastructure for Regional Advancement
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Synopsis
In Harare, SADC officials stress the importance of strengthening cross-border infrastructure for enhanced regional integration and economic development amidst challenges posed by climate change.
Key Takeaways
- SADC member states should enhance cross-border infrastructure.
- Strengthening meteorological cooperation is essential.
- Partnerships with regional and international stakeholders are crucial.
- Climate resilience and sustainable transport policies need harmonization.
- Improved transport systems will support economic stability.
Harare, Feb 25 (NationPress) Member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are urged to fortify cross-border infrastructure to facilitate regional integration and economic growth, according to a high-ranking SADC official.
During a SADC ministerial gathering focusing on meteorology, transport, and information and communications technology (ICT) held in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, Angele Makombo N'tumba, the deputy executive secretary overseeing regional integration, emphasized the need for improved meteorological collaboration and the advancement of transport and ICT infrastructure. These elements are deemed essential for achieving regional integration and economic success, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
N'tumba highlighted that SADC member nations must strengthen partnerships with both regional and international entities, mobilize financial and technical resources, and strive to harmonize policies that support climate resilience, sustainable transport, ICT infrastructure, and economic development.
She noted that the SADC region confronts significant and extraordinary challenges brought on by climate change, with extreme weather events, increasing temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extended droughts increasingly undermining economic stability and sustainable development in the area.
“In this context, having well-maintained roads, an effective railway network, functional border posts, quality seaports, shipping services, and efficient aviation systems is crucial. This will guarantee the swift and effective delivery of goods and services within and across the SADC region,” stated N'tumba.
The five-day conference aims to assess the progress made in implementing programs across the three sectors to enhance regional integration.
The SADC is a regional bloc in southern Africa comprising 16 member states, which include Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
