By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
As Zimbabwe concludes its tenure as Chair of the Southern African Development Community, strengthening regional emergency telecommunications has emerged as one of its key legacy priorities.
Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Dingumuzi Phuti, representing Zimbabwe as the outgoing SADC Chair, officially opened the ITU–SADC Emergency Telecommunications and Early Warning Systems for All (EWS4All) Regional Capacity Development Workshop in Harare on Wednesday.
The high-level gathering, held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, is aimed at operationalising the SADC Model National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), a framework approved by SADC ICT Ministers in February 2025.
Hon. Phuti said the Model NETP is a “pivotal tool” designed to enhance coordination and resilience of telecommunications systems across Member States during disasters.
Since 2023, the ITU has supported the SADC Secretariat in developing the model framework, which now serves as a blueprint for countries to domesticate and implement their own national emergency telecommunications plans.
Zimbabwe has also committed to advancing its own National Emergency Telecommunications Plan and establishing a National Emergency Telecommunications Working Group in collaboration with the Civil Protection Department and other stakeholders.
In addition, Zimbabwe, through the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), now serves as custodian of SADC’s emergency telecommunications equipment supplied by the ITU — positioning the country as a regional hub for rapid deployment when disasters strike.
The focus on ICT resilience reflects growing regional recognition that communication systems are central to disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
As Zimbabwe hands over the SADC chairmanship, officials say the groundwork laid in strengthening emergency telecommunications coordination will remain a lasting contribution to regional integration and climate resilience efforts.
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