The SADC is focusing on leveraging ICT to mitigate climate change impacts and combat cybersecurity threats during the Cluster Meeting in Harare. Ministers from 16 member countries are discussing the implementation of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan and addressing rising cybercrime under the SADC Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is prioritizing the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address climate change impacts and to combat the escalating threats to the region’s cybersecurity. Ministers responsible for transport, ICT, information, and meteorology from the 16-member organization are convening at the SADC Cluster Meeting of Senior Officials in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Recent floods in Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, and Zambia have heightened the urgency of discussing climate-related disasters. The SADC Model National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) aims to mitigate these disasters and is a central topic at the meeting. Dr. Beullah Chirume, the Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s ICT ministry, emphasized the need for telecommunications to raise awareness and provide timely information during such crises.
Zimbabwe has taken a lead by implementing the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan ahead of other countries in the region. Dr. Chirume also addressed concerns regarding increasing instances of cybercrime, which falls under the SADC Harmonised Cybersecurity Framework. The plan to revise the framework ensures that it remains aligned with current developments in cyberspace and addresses vulnerabilities associated with emerging technologies.
The SADC Cluster Meeting will review various projects, including the NETP, Shared Satellite System, Regional Computer Incident Response Team, and the Internet Exchange Points, among others. These reports are essential for understanding the current state of ICT initiatives in the region and their impact on disaster management and cybersecurity.
The SADC Cluster Meeting in Harare addresses pressing issues of climate change and cybersecurity, both crucial for regional stability. The ongoing discussions highlight the importance of leveraging ICT to manage climate-related disasters and combat cyber threats. With member states actively revising frameworks and implementing emergency plans, the SADC demonstrates a commitment to enhancing resilience against these challenges.
Original Source: itweb.africa
