WFP Donates ICT Equipment for SADC Training

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira, received eight laptops and a printer from the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Emergency Response Training scheduled to begin in Nyanga on Sunday.

The training is designed to strengthen regional emergency preparedness and response skills, with a focus on helping disaster-stricken member states coordinate humanitarian interventions more effectively.

Engineer Kabikira said the equipment would enhance efficiency during emergencies through improved data management, coordination and real-time information sharing.

“The timely support from WFP complements Government’s efforts in ensuring that our regional emergency response teams are well-equipped to deal with disasters effectively. This donation is not only an investment in technology but also in saving lives,” he said.

The Nyanga programme follows the first SADC Emergency Response Training held in Maun, Botswana, in June and July 2024, where 32 participants from 12 member states were trained.

After its success, the SADC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Management, chaired by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, resolved to expand the training to increase diversity of expertise within the regional emergency response team. The decision was adopted in Victoria Falls in November 2024.

A total of 37 participants from the 16 SADC member states will take part in the Nyanga training, which runs until September 4.

It is being facilitated by the SADC Secretariat, the SADC Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre, the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The training will be officially opened on August 27 by Minister Daniel Garwe.