Zimbabwe Hosts 57th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary as President Mnangagwa Calls for Regional Digital Integration

By Charity Chikara

Zimbabwe is hosting the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), marking the sixth time the country has convened the regional gathering. The event comes amid heightened calls for digital transformation across Southern Africa’s parliamentary systems, with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration and technological advancement.

Speaking at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, President Mnangagwa emphasised the transformative role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in enhancing parliamentary efficiency, citizen engagement, and representation particularly for marginalised communities.

“Artificial intelligence presents us with an opportunity to enhance parliamentary operations by improving institutional efficiency, deepening citizen engagement, and strengthening representation in marginalized communities,” Mnangagwa said.

“As the Fourth Industrial Revolution gains momentum, all socio-economic sectors, including parliaments, must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.”

The session is convening under the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”

The forum provides a platform for member parliaments to share experiences and explore AI’s potential in strengthening legislative oversight and regional cooperation.

SADC PF Secretary General Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma highlighted the importance of embracing automation in parliamentary processes.

“This plenary assembly provides a critical platform for member parliaments to exchange experiences and strengthen their capacity in harnessing artificial intelligence,” Sekgoma said.

“Embracing automation is essential to improving parliamentary effectiveness and ensuring that our legislatures meet the evolving demands of our people.”

Zimbabwe’s Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Jacob Mudenda, praised President Mnangagwa’s leadership in advancing regional integration and sustainable development.

“I want to thank His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current Chair of SADC, for his unwavering support of the SADC Parliamentary Forum,” Mudenda said.

“Under his guidance, the forum has been driven by the powerful slogan ‘Conquer Hunger,’ addressing food security and development challenges that confront our region.”

Adding a youth perspective, Ms. Angela Dube, reigning Miss Albinism Zimbabwe and representative of the SADC Youth Parliament, expressed humility and gratitude on behalf of young people.

“We are grateful that the voices of youth are heard through the SADC Parliamentary Forum,” Dube said.

“Mentorship, leadership opportunities, and meaningful involvement in legislation and its review processes are strengthening the SADC Youth Parliament and empowering us to contribute to regional development and decision making.”

The 57th Plenary Assembly represents a critical juncture for SADC member states to harness emerging technologies in parliamentary governance. Delegates are expected to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities linked to AI adoption, aiming to align legislative practices with the demands of a digital age.

As Zimbabwe hosts this important gathering, the country continues to assert its role as a regional hub for dialogue on innovation, integration, and inclusive growth.