SADC Forum Agrees on Reforms, Zim to Host Plenary

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum has concluded its first Executive Committee meeting of 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia, with regional lawmakers agreeing on major reforms aimed at strengthening the institution’s financial sustainability and embracing digital innovation.

The high-level three-day meeting, which ended on April 30, was attended by Speakers and presiding officers from across the SADC region. The Forum committed to aligning its operations with its Five-Year Strategic Plan and intensifying efforts to transform into a fully-fledged regional parliament.

Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, reaffirmed Harare’s readiness to host the 57th Plenary Assembly in Victoria Falls from May 31 to June 7, 2025.

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

The EXCO, operating under Article 12 of the SADC PF Constitution, endorsed Zimbabwe’s hosting bid through a report presented by Forum Vice President Sylvia Elizabeth Lucas. Mudenda said the Victoria Falls meeting would mark a significant step in embracing digital solutions to strengthen legislative processes across the region.

The Forum also approved the Terms of Reference for its newly formed Fundraising Committee, which is expected to explore alternative funding sources as traditional donor support declines. SADC PF officials said the move is part of broader efforts to secure the Forum’s financial future and maintain momentum in promoting democracy and good governance in member states.

Clean, audited financial statements were adopted during the session—a development described as critical in ensuring transparency and credibility in the Forum’s financial management.

In a show of diplomatic engagement, the EXCO paid a courtesy call on Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who reaffirmed her government’s support for regional parliamentary initiatives and expressed confidence in the Forum’s reform trajectory.

SADC PF President Justin Tokely praised the outcomes of the meeting, highlighting the level of engagement and unity among member states. He also commended the Namibian Parliament for hosting the event, which he said provided the ideal platform for robust dialogue.

The Victoria Falls plenary is expected to attract broad representation from the region, with Zimbabwe positioning itself as a driver of innovation and institutional renewal within the SADC legislative community.