SADC Regional Workshop closes with a call to strengthen ICT Statistics and enhance the SADC ICT Observatory

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat successfully convened a five-day Regional Workshop on Strengthening Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Statistics and enhancing the SADC ICT Observatory in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from 25-29 August 2025. The workshop was held under the framework of the SADC Regional Statistics Project funded by the World Bank.

The workshop aimed to support the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Statistics and the SADC Digital Transformation Strategy through improvements to the SADC ICT Observatory. Participants reviewed the SADC the ICT Observatory and proposed areas of enhancement, statutory decisions and international best practices related to ICT observatories, explored the integration of Mobile Phone Data (MPD), Geospatial/GIS tools, big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in statistical systems, and reviewed proposed broadband indicators and targets for 2030.

Speaking at the closing, Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, commended Member States for recognising the importance of ICT statistics in informing socio-economic policies and strategies. She emphasised that ICT statistics are a critical enabler and urged Member States to prioritise their collection and timely submission. Highlighting varying levels of capacity and automation across the region, she called for greater investment in ICT systems aligned with global digital transformation trends, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data, Mobile Phone Data, and GIS.

Ms. Makombo N’Tumba further assured delegates that the Secretariat will continue to prioritise capacity building, technical assistance, and collaboration with Member States to accelerate convergence during the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030. She reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to mobilising resources and underscored ICT as a cross-cutting enabler for key sectors such as agriculture, education, and health.

Mr. Christian Katende, President of the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) stressed the need for harmonised standards and methodologies for the collection of ICT statistics to allow comparability and shared understanding of Member States. “We cannot make good decisions without reliable data. Real-time data will give us a more accurate and dynamic picture of reality on the ground,” he stated. 

On behalf of Madagascar, the current SADC chair, Mr. Brillant Rakotoratsimanjefy, underlined that the workshop offered an invaluable platform for Member States to strengthen their skills on the ICT Observatory and exchange constructive experiences. He thanked participants for their active engagement, noting that the strong   regional cooperation demonstrated during the workshop is key to addressing technological and statistical challenges.