By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Emerging technologies such as satellite communications, resilient telecommunications networks and improved spectrum management are set to play a critical role in strengthening climate disaster preparedness across Southern Africa.
This emerged during the ITU–SADC Emergency Telecommunications and Early Warning for All Regional Capacity Building Workshop held in Harare, where policymakers, regulators and technical experts gathered to explore ways of using digital infrastructure to improve disaster response and early warning systems.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, POTRAZ Deputy Director General Mr Alfred Marisa on behalf of Director General Gift K. Machengete said reliable telecommunications systems are essential in protecting communities from the growing threats posed by climate-related disasters.
“In moments of crisis, communication becomes more than connectivity — it becomes reassurance to families, coordination for responders and ultimately a lifeline for survival,” he said.
The workshop was organised by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with the Southern African Development Community and hosted by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
Experts attending the meeting highlighted the importance of investing in resilient telecommunications infrastructure capable of remaining operational during extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones and droughts.
Southern Africa has experienced several devastating disasters in recent years, including Cyclone Idai, Cyclone Kenneth and Cyclone Freddy, which caused widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure and communication networks.
Participants at the workshop said the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters requires governments and telecommunications operators to adopt innovative technologies to ensure critical communication systems remain functional during emergencies.
Among the key solutions discussed were satellite communication systems that can provide connectivity when terrestrial networks fail, infrastructure sharing among telecommunications operators to enhance redundancy, and strategic spectrum planning to support emergency communications.
Machengete said regulators and policymakers have a responsibility to ensure telecommunications infrastructure is resilient, secure and adaptable to evolving risks associated with climate change.
He also stressed the importance of inclusive communication systems that can deliver early warnings to all citizens, including those living in remote communities and individuals without access to advanced digital technologies.
The workshop also focused on advancing the global Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems capable of delivering timely alerts about impending hazards.
Participants agreed that stronger regional cooperation and the integration of telecommunications technologies into disaster risk reduction strategies will significantly improve the region’s capacity to anticipate, respond to and recover from climate-related disasters.
Officials said the discussions are expected to contribute to more resilient telecommunications systems across Southern Africa, ensuring that technology becomes a critical tool in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and development gains in the face of climate change.
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