As published by Nomazulu Moyo in the African Times
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially opened a five-day workshop on information and communications technology (ICT) statistics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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The event, running from 25–29 August 2025, is part of the SADC Regional Statistics Project. It aims to strengthen the SADC ICT Observatory and support the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Statistics and the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–30.
The workshop was opened by DRC’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, José Mpanda, together with SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Angele Makombo N’Tumba.
Mpanda welcomed delegates and said reliable ICT statistics are key to shaping effective policies and addressing inequality in access to digital services.
“The workshop presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our capacities to collect, analyse, and use reliable ICT data to inform policies, measure the impact of our actions, and correct inequalities in ICT service provision,” he said.
He added that the DRC, under President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, is prioritising digital technologies as a driver for national development. Mpanda also confirmed the DRC’s commitment to harmonising ICT data collection with regional and international partners such as SADC, ECCAS and the EAC.
In her address, N’Tumba highlighted the rising demand for quality and timely data to support SADC’s development agenda.
“ICT statistics are a cornerstone of the SADC Regional Integration Agenda,” she said, noting that ICT is an enabler for growth in all sectors.
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She urged the region to use mobile phone data, geospatial tools, and Big Data to complement traditional methods of data collection.
The workshop has drawn participants from all 16 SADC member states, including officials from ministries, regulatory bodies and national statistics offices. Over the five days, they will review regional and global decisions on ICT observatories, share case studies, discuss broadband targets for 2030, and identify training and capacity needs.
Expected outcomes include updated ICT indicators, new broadband and postal service measures, and a draft Concept Note for upgrading the SADC ICT Observatory. These proposals will be tabled at the next SADC ICT Ministers’ Meeting.
The SADC ICT Observatory is designed to serve as a central database for harmonised ICT statistics across the region. It is intended to help policymakers track progress, reduce the digital divide, and promote innovation for socio-economic growth.
This article has been published in partnership with the African Times.
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