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VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – The Parliament of Zimbabwe is proudly hosting the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) from 31st May to 7th June 2025, at the iconic Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls City. Composed of 15 Member SADC Parliaments, this high-level Assembly of Parliamentarians will draw over 300 delegates comprising Speakers and Members of Parliament, Senior Staff of the 15 Member Parliaments, regional experts and Development Partners.
Convening under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities,” the Plenary Assembly will provide a platform for delegates to rigorously interrogate and exchange insights on the promise and pitfalls in the application of AI in Parliamentary processes.
The Key Objectives of the Plenary Assembly are as follows; Evaluating the application of AI in enhancing Parliamentary efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement, identifying challenges and opportunities in the deployment of AI within Parliaments, promoting cross-cutting collaboration, digital knowledge transfer and innovation for democratic consolidation in Parliamentary processes as well as deepen parliamentary regional integration, uphold democratic norms and strengthen the capacity of Parliaments across the Southern African region.
The 51st SADC PF Plenary Assembly will anchor palpable flagship events, namely, that; His Excellency, the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is expected to preside over the Official Opening Ceremony of the 57th Plenary Assembly of SADC PF on the 2nd June 2025 at the environmentally pristine Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre at the Victoria Falls City.
Introductory formalities before the official opening will include the Secretary-General, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, presenting the credentials of the delegates to the 57th Plenary Assembly to the guest of Honour, His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
In the same vein, key presentations before the official opening address will also include solidarity messages by regional dignitaries such as Pan African Parliament (PAP) President, His Excellency Chief Fortune Z Charumbira and the Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Hon. Shally Josepha Raymond, proceeding straight after the address by the Rt. Hon. Justin Tokely, President of the SADC PF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar.
After the official opening ceremony, a symposium, running under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities,” will be held at the same venue in the afternoon. The host Parliament has marshalled renowned AI experts from local Universities and the private sector as well as from the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services under the aegis of Hon Minister Tatenda Mavetera.
From 3rd to 5th June 2025, the Plenary Assembly deliberations will roll out, featuring debate on the overarching theme of the Plenary Assembly, followed by the presentation of Standing Committee Reports on the proposed Model Law on Prison Oversight, which seeks to enhance the lawful rights of detained suspected offenders.
Media Accreditation:
Journalists and media professionals keen on covering the 57th Plenary Assembly are required to register for accreditation with the Parliament of Zimbabwe. Kindly contact:
– Mr. Don Makubaza: +263 71 232 4172
– Ms. Lettmore Chauke: +263 77 370 6626
– Mr. Tobias Makwinja: +263 71 377 5922
