Zimbabwe Charts Path to a Sustainable Digital Future with Green Internet Ecosystems Framework
Harare, Zimbabwe – August 2025
In a landmark gathering held at the Management Training Bureau (MTB) in Msasa, Harare, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), supported by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MoHTEISTD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Communication Technolgies, Postal and Courier Services (MoICTPCS) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), hosted a high-level Research findings workshop for the "Towards A Green Internet Ecosystems Framework For Zimbabwe"
The workshop marked the culmination of an 18-month research initiative funded by the Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation, aimed at aligning Zimbabwe’s digital transformation with environmental sustainability. The event brought together ICT managers, government officials, academia, civil society, and industry leaders to witness the presentation and handover of the Green Internet Policy Framework and Research Report.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Hon. Ambassador Dr. Frederick Shava, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Permanent Secretary Prof. Fanuel Tagwira emphasised the transformative role of universities in shaping national policy
“This Green Internet Project exemplifies how academic institutions can go beyond traditional teaching and research, and actively contribute to policy formulation, ensuring that as a nation, our digital growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental sustainability.”
Prof. Tagwira commended NUST for anchoring the project and praised the collaboration between government, academia, and regulatory agencies.
“This policymaking underscores the need for collaboration among academic institutions, regulatory bodies, and government entities.”
He called for the integration of the Green Internet Policy into national strategies and the Constitution, stating that this was not merely a policy for the ICT sector, but a policy for the future, which would position Zimbabwe as a leader in green digital transformation, not only within SADC but across the African continent.
Mr. Smart Ncube, Principal Investigator of the Greening the Internet Project, led the presentation of the research findings, highlighting the urgent need for energy-efficient infrastructure, responsible e-waste management, and green procurement practices in Zimbabwe’s ICT sector. “Effective policy is most impactful when it draws not only from rigorous academic research but also from the real-world experiences and practical insights of those who are actively involved in the design, construction, management, and daily use of ICT infrastructure,” he noted, urging stakeholders to bridge theory and practice.
The report was officially handed over to the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, represented by Mrs. N. M. Makonese, Director of Gender and Inclusivity, who read the speech on behalf of the Minister Hon T. Mavetera. Makonese expressed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the framework.
“We are proud to receive this comprehensive policy document, which will guide our efforts in building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious digital economy. The future of Zimbabwe’s internet must be green.”
She further emphasised: “I reaffirm the commitment of the Ministry of ICTPCS to collaborating with all stakeholders... we can, and will, achieve a Greener Internet for Zimbabwe.”
NUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, represented by NUST’s Director for Information and Communication Technology Systems (ICTS), Prof. Vusumuzi Maphosa, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to research-driven policy innovation.
“NUST is proud to have led this initiative, demonstrating the power of academic research in addressing national challenges. We remain committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development.”
The workshop underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into its digital agenda, aligning with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030. As the country moves forward, the Green Internet Policy Framework stands as a beacon for sustainable innovation and inclusive growth.
Prof. Tagwira challenged the researchers to ensure that the findings do not remain on book shelves gathering dust without meaningful uptake and implementation. “Summarise these findings into policy briefs and engage ministries to ensure that this hard work does not just remain a footnote in academic circles”. He said.
