Mnangagwa to open 57th SADC Parliamentary Forum in Victoria Falls

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will tomorrow officially open the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), a high-level gathering of regional legislators taking place in Victoria Falls.

The Assembly, which runs until June 7, is being held under the theme: "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities." It brings together over 300 delegates, including Speakers and Members of Parliament, senior parliamentary staff from the 15 SADC member states, as well as regional experts and development partners.

Speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, confirmed that President Mnangagwa - who also chairs SADC - will deliver the keynote address at the official opening ceremony. The address is expected to underscore Zimbabwe's commitment to digital transformation, regional integration, and progressive legislative practices.

"His Excellency's presence confers unmatched gravitas and stature to the proceedings, symbolising Zimbabwe's unwavering commitment to regional integration, digital innovation and transformative Parliamentary processes," said Adv Mudenda, who is spearheading the hosting of the event.

Following the opening ceremony, a thematic symposium focusing on the role of AI in enhancing parliamentary effectiveness will be held. According to Mudenda, the forum has assembled leading AI specialists from local universities, the private sector, and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services, under the guidance of Minister Tatenda Mavetera.

Deliberations for the Plenary Assembly will begin in earnest from June 3 to 5. Key agenda items include discussions on the main theme of AI's impact on legislative work and the presentation of Standing Committee Reports, including a proposed Model Law on Prison Oversight. This draft legislation aims to improve scrutiny of prison systems and promote the protection of human rights across the region.

"The Plenary Assembly provides a robust platform for in-depth analysis of the opportunities and risks associated with AI in legislative work," said Adv Mudenda. "Delegates will also review Country Reports and assess the implementation of resolutions adopted in previous sessions."

The meeting is being held in line with Article 10(2) of the SADC-PF Constitution, which requires at least two ordinary sessions annually, and Rule 6(2) of the Forum's Rules of Procedure, which empowers the Assembly to deliberate comprehensively on committee reports.

Adv Mudenda emphasised that the Assembly serves as the principal policy-making body of the Forum, charting the legislative direction of the SADC region. He noted that this session builds on the outcomes of the 56th Plenary Assembly held in Livingstone, Zambia, and subsequent preparatory sessions in Johannesburg and Windhoek earlier this year.

Twelve Member Parliaments have confirmed their attendance. The Assembly will be presided over by the Rt Honourable Justin Tokely, Speaker of Madagascar's National Assembly and President of SADC-PF. Also expected to deliver a solidarity speech is Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament.

Delegates are being hosted at Victoria Falls' leading hospitality venues, with logistical support coordinated by Zimbabwe's Parliament and Government. Complementing the formal programme is a vibrant cultural itinerary, including a Welcome Dinner, a Rainforest Tour, a Zambezi Sunset Cruise, and a grand Farewell Gala at The Boma.

The 57th Plenary Assembly stands as a testament to SADC-PF's vision for a digitally advanced and regionally cohesive legislative landscape.