Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) director-general, Dr Gift Machengete, has been appointed chair of the Regional Development Forum for Africa, a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation agenda. The announcement was made during the opening session of the high-profile forum currently underway in Victoria Falls, attended by ministers, regulators, development partners and ICT industry leaders from across the continent.
The RDF for Africa is one of the flagship platforms convened by the International Telecommunication Union through its Telecommunication Development Sector, ITU-D, and plays a central role in shaping Africa’s ICT development strategy.
As chair, Dr Machengete is expected to guide deliberations on strengthening regional cooperation, expanding meaningful connectivity, advancing cybersecurity, fostering innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and enhancing access to digital opportunities for all Africans.
Accepting the chairmanship on behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, Dr Machengete expressed gratitude to member states for their confidence in the country’s leadership.
“It is my great honour to accept the chairmanship of the Regional Development Forum for Africa in our capacity as the host country. I sincerely thank all member states and stakeholders for the confidence placed in us,” he said.
He noted that Zimbabwe was privileged to host the important gathering at a time when Africa is accelerating its push toward a more connected, innovative and digitally empowered future. Dr Machengete underscored the significance of the forum as a platform for reflecting on Africa’s ambitions to bridge the digital divide, empower young people through technology and innovation, and build resilient digital economies capable of driving sustainable socio-economic growth.
The RDF for Africa provides a strategic opportunity for reviewing ICT development progress across the continent while identifying priority actions needed to fast-track digital transformation. It also enables African countries to shape and influence global ICT development discussions within the ITU framework, including preparations for the World Telecommunication Development Conference and other international programmes.
The platform aligns Africa’s ICT priorities with the broader objectives of the ITU-D and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that digital development supports education, healthcare, economic growth, financial inclusion and wider social progress.
Key deliberations at the forum will focus on broadband expansion and universal access, spectrum management, digital broadcasting, cybersecurity and child online protection, digital skills development, emergency telecommunications, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the creation of local digital content.
The forum further acknowledges the increasing role of ICTs in transforming sectors such as agriculture, health, education and finance, where digital technologies are driving inclusive growth and improving service delivery across Africa.
Dr Machengete emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among governments, regulators, industry players and development partners to build an inclusive and sustainable digital future for the continent.
“Together, we have the opportunity to shape a digital future for Africa that is inclusive, sustainable and beneficial to all our people,” he said.
Throughout the forum, delegates are expected to engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships, generating practical solutions and developing concrete strategies that will position Africa as a competitive and resilient player in the global information society.
