Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
CALLS for inclusive digital development, ensuring marginalised communities have a voice in technology discussions, dominated the 2025 School of Internet Governance. The two-day event, organised by the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter (Isoc Zimbabwe) and Solusi University, concluded last week with a strong emphasis on equitable access and representation in the digital sphere.
Running under the theme: “Empowering the Underserved, Minority, Youth and Women in Shaping Internet Governance in Zimbabwe,” the programme drew participants from across Zimbabwe, with a strong representation from women, youth, marginalised, and underserved communities. This year’s cohort notably comprised 86 percent women, thereby emphasising gender equity in the digital space and ensuring inclusivity in all programmes.
In his remarks, Solusi University Vice Chancellor, Professor Khumbulani Mpofu, set the tone for the summit by calling for blending leadership and technology across the spectrum, to ensure the digital governance discourse reaches the most remote communities.
“I’m happy that our team is leading the conversation on Internet governance here at Solusi. But it’s not enough. These initiatives must reach our communities. In future meetings, we should have someone from a village — so the voices of the forgotten woman and man are heard. Universities should not be monuments for the elite. We must be intentional about who we invite, including those from surrounding communities,” said Prof Mpofu.
Prof Mpofu linked Solusi University’s broader development vision to the power of the Internet, saying their strategy was to revive, recapitalise and rebuild.
“None of this can succeed without Internet connectivity, which connects us to the international community and our strategic future,” he said.
Participants noted the summit’s impact, with Ms Shumirai Celta Chakaora, the director of Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust, praising the programme for demystifying Internet governance and expanding her understanding of cybersecurity.
“I wasn’t well-versed in these issues, but I learnt from the course about green technologies, the multi-stakeholder model, and the role of digital solutions in climate resilience. I now appreciate how technology underpins our lives in the 21st century. I’m especially grateful for the cybersecurity training, something I knew little about before,” she said.
Ms Chakaora also expressed satisfaction with the programme’s emphasis on women’s empowerment and rural inclusion. During the graduation ceremony, Mrs Charity Ncube hailed Solusi University for its generous support.
“We sincerely thank Prof Mpofu for opening the gates of this prestigious institution to host the 2025 School of Internet Governance. His hands-on facilitation brought our fellows together and sparked the collaboration that defined this programme,” she said.
The 2025 School of Internet Governance advanced four core objectives aimed at ensuring long-term impact: formulating a representative delegation to present Zimbabwe’s recommendations at the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025, drafting a community-led position paper on key national Internet governance priorities, establishing a national network of grassroots Internet governance advocates, and training fellows to effectively contribute to local, regional and global IGF platforms. The fellows were ultimately granted certificates by the Internet Society.
Mr Ntokozo Ncube, the ICT manager at Solusi University, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy in the face of emerging technologies. Mrs Charity Ncube, head of policy and governance for Isoc Zimbabwe Chapter, elaborated on the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance, while Professor Vusumuzi Maphosa, the organisation’s Infrastructure and Technology Officer, dissected the regulatory landscape surrounding Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act.
“Think global, act local is not just a slogan — it’s our guiding principle. You’re now torch-bearers, who are charged to go and ensure that your communities are heard and included in shaping Zimbabwe’s digital future,” said Mrs Ncube.
The policy recommendations developed during the school are set to be tabled at the upcoming Zimbabwe Internet Governance Forum (ZIGF), solidifying this event’s legacy as a catalyst for inclusive digital policy-making.
