Central banks from across the Southern African region are meeting in Livingstone, Zambia for the 13th SADC Committee of Central Bank Governors ICT Governance and Business Resilience Champions Meeting, running from June 2 to June 5, 2026. The high level gathering is hosted at the Radisson Blu Resort and brings together senior officials responsible for banking supervision, technology systems and financial stability. For Zambia, the meeting places Livingstone at the centre of regional discussions on how to protect financial systems from modern risks. Delegates are reviewing progress on ICT governance, business continuity and operational resilience across SADC member states. The focus is on building stronger systems that can keep financial services running even during disruptions.
The meeting is important for Zambia because it highlights the country’s growing role in regional financial cooperation and digital governance. Central banks are assessing how far they have implemented Business Continuity Management systems designed to protect operations during crises. These systems are critical for ensuring that banks, payment systems and financial markets continue functioning during shocks. Discussions are also focusing on how member states can align standards so that financial systems across the region operate in a more consistent and secure way. For Zambia, this alignment supports stronger integration with regional financial networks and improves trust in cross border transactions.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Governor for Operations Dr Francis Chipimo stressed that financial institutions are operating in a rapidly changing environment. He pointed to fast technological development that is reshaping how banking systems work across Africa and globally. He also warned about rising cyber threats that target financial institutions and can disrupt critical services if not properly managed. In addition, he noted that geopolitical tensions and climate related disruptions are now part of the everyday risk landscape for central banks. His message highlighted the need for Zambia and its regional partners to strengthen preparedness and resilience across all financial systems.
Dr Chipimo further explained that resilience is no longer just a technical issue handled by IT departments. He said it has become a leadership and governance responsibility that must involve senior decision makers in central banks. This means that boards and executives must actively oversee risk management, system protection and recovery planning. He emphasised that strong coordination between departments is essential to ensure financial systems remain stable under pressure. His remarks reinforced the idea that resilience must be embedded in the core strategy of financial institutions, not treated as an afterthought.
The Livingstone meeting is also reviewing regional programmes under the Southern African Development Community, Southern African Development Community, focused on improving ICT governance and business continuity frameworks. These programmes aim to strengthen cooperation between member central banks, including Zambia, so that they respond in a coordinated way to financial disruptions. Participants are discussing ways to improve digital infrastructure, enhance data protection and build stronger recovery systems. There is also emphasis on sharing knowledge and technical expertise across countries to reduce weaknesses in national systems. For Zambia, these discussions support ongoing efforts to modernise its financial sector and improve service delivery.
Cybersecurity remains a major concern for all participating countries, including Zambia. Central banks are dealing with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that target payment systems, banking networks and sensitive financial data. The meeting is examining ways to improve early detection systems, incident response and recovery procedures. Training and skills development are also being prioritised to ensure staff can manage emerging digital risks effectively. These steps are aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and protecting public confidence in financial institutions.
The gathering in Livingstone also reflects Zambia’s growing importance as a host of regional financial and policy meetings. By hosting the 13th SADC ICT Governance and Business Resilience Champions Meeting, the country is positioning itself as an active contributor to regional financial stability discussions. The presence of senior officials from multiple central banks highlights the importance of collaboration in building stronger and more reliable financial systems. It also provides an opportunity for Zambia to showcase its progress in financial governance and digital transformation. The discussions are expected to influence future policies that strengthen financial resilience across the region.
The meeting in Zambia marks a key step in strengthening how central banks manage risk, technology and operational continuity. It reinforces the importance of strong governance, cybersecurity and coordinated regional action in today’s financial environment. As financial systems become more digital and interconnected, the need for resilience continues to grow. The outcomes from Livingstone are expected to support more stable, secure and efficient financial systems across SADC. For Zambia and its regional partners, the focus remains on building a financial sector that can withstand disruptions while supporting economic growth and public confidence.