Staff Writer
Southern African nations are moving to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their infrastructure planning to safeguard the region’s transport corridors, airports, and communication networks from extreme weather events.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) officials warned that escalating floods, severe droughts, and intense cyclones are threatening vital regional logistics loops have shifted the focus toward predictive technologies.
The integration of AI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is now being positioned as a critical defensive strategy to build climate-resilient systems, optimize early warning mechanisms, and improve meteorological forecasting across the bloc.
A key component of this regional climate proofing centers on the aviation sector, where officials are pushing to accelerate the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Speaking at the SADC High-Level Ministerial Round Table Dialogue, Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa, Barbara Creecy, underscored the importance of deepening regional cooperation and accelerating initiatives that strengthen connectivity, economic integration and resilience.
She called upon SADC Member States to work collectively to advance the liberalisation of African skies, promote seamless mobility, invest in modern and climate-resilient infrastructure and harness innovation and emerging technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
Minister Creecy further emphasised the need for coordinated regional action to address the growing impacts of climate change, strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure that all Member States benefit from the opportunities presented by digital transformation and emerging technologies.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angele Makombo N’tumba, highlighted the strategic importance of aviation connectivity for regional integration and economic development.
She noted that for SADC, enhanced aviation connectivity extends beyond the movement of people; it is equally about enabling the efficient flow of goods, services, skills, investment and opportunity across the region.
She further observed that the region continues to experience increasing exposure to extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, cyclones and other climate-induced disruptions.
The events, she said, have significant implications for transport corridors, airports, logistics systems, communication networks and essential public services.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, emphasised the critical role of transport in advancing regional integration.
She stated that the transport sector remains a cornerstone of SADC’s regional integration agenda, serving as the physical and economic bridge that connects our people, markets and industries.
“Efficient, safe and climate-resilient transport systems are essential for facilitating trade, reducing the cost of doing business and improving the movement of people and goods across our borders,” she said adding that stakeholders should remain guided by “the principles of solidarity, mutual benefit and shared prosperity that have defined SADC.”
The dialogue brought together ministers, senior government officials, regulators, development partners, industry leaders and international experts to deliberate on strategic priorities for advancing regional integration, connectivity and sustainable development across the SADC Region.
Discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of the SAATM, enhancing aviation connectivity, improving air transport affordability and promoting investment in transport and aviation infrastructure.
Ministers emphasised that stronger air connectivity is essential not only for facilitating the movement of people, but also for expanding trade, tourism, investment and the movement of goods and services across the region.
The round table further highlighted the critical role of meteorological services, climate information systems and early warning mechanisms in strengthening infrastructure resilience, enhancing aviation safety and supporting disaster preparedness.
The dialogue explored opportunities for applying AI in climate forecasting, disaster risk management, predictive maintenance and transport operations, while also considering issues related to governance, ethics, regulation and cybersecurity.
It provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences, best practices and innovative approaches among Member States and stakeholders on issues shaping the future of transport, aviation, ICT and meteorology in the region.
Southern African transport and communications ministers have approved 75 resolutions to accelerate regional integration and boost trade connectivity.
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