KEY POINTS
- Expanding digital infrastructure will drive economic transformation.
- Stronger interconnectivity fosters innovation and boosts e-commerce.
- Improved ICT access enhances trade and service delivery across the region.
According to Felix Mhona, minister of transport and infrastructure development for Zimbabwe, Southern African nations must use technology to increase interregional trade and exploit the region’s digital potential.
Technology is key to unlocking Southern Africa’s economic potential
Mhona stated that information and communications technology (ICT) and energy are essential to the region’s economic growth while addressing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Infrastructure in Harare.
“In today’s economy, digital infrastructure is just as important as physical infrastructure,” Mhona stated. “Improving trade, communication, and service delivery throughout the region requires expanding broadband and regional ICT connectivity.”
Boosting interregional trade through better connectivity
He underlined that enhancing mobile connectivity, bolstering internet access, and funding fiber-optic networks will promote economic change and guarantee digital inclusion. He went on to say that greater interconnectedness within the SADC area will promote innovation, ease e-commerce, and improve access to vital services like healthcare and education.
According to New Zimbabawe, Mhona said that the current surge in agricultural and mineral exports necessitates an effective regional transportation network and advocated for increased collaboration among SADC member states to increase investment in infrastructure development.
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are among the 16 countries that make up the SADC.
