ZIMBABWE must take practical steps to integrate green practices into technological and scientific advancements to ensure a sustainable digital economy, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, said yesterday.
He made the call in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Simelisizwe Sibanda at the launch of an 18-month study titled: “Towards a Green Internet Ecosystems Framework for Zimbabwe” in Harare.
“I challenge higher and tertiary institutions to integrate green practices into our technological and scientific advancements,” Prof Murwira said.
“By doing so, we are not only fostering innovation but also ensuring that our progress in achieving a digital economy does not come at the expense of our environment.”
The project, a collaboration between the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), aims to develop a comprehensive framework for a sustainable internet ecosystem in Zimbabwe.
This project involves a multifaceted approach, including the development of green policy frameworks, promotion of environmental awareness, and implementation of sustainable practices across various sectors.
This transformative research initiative, Prof Murwira said, dovetails with the Second Republic’s efforts to ensure that Zimbabwe achieves a digital economy, in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“To realise the vision of transforming our economy through digital technologies we must fully embrace the Heritage-based Education 5.0, which requires us to be innovative and use Zimbabwe’s abundant raw materials to produce ICT-related hardware and gadgets,” he said.
“In producing the hardware and other ICT equipment, we must be mindful of their environmental impacts.
“We must put in place policy frameworks and strategies for managing e-waste and promote the use of renewable resources in order to achieve sustainable economic growth.”
Speaking at the same event, NUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mqhelele Dlodlo, said:
“The research project seeks to influence policy framework towards adopting practices and policies that reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of internet-related activities.
“Our objective is to Conduct a Baseline Survey to assess current practices and trends related to greening the internet in Zimbabwe.”
This project, he said, will examine factors such as energy consumption, e-waste management, data centre operations, and renewable energy adoption within the internet ecosystem.
It will also identify key challenges and opportunities associated with greening the internet in Zimbabwe including barriers to adoption, technological limitations, policy gaps, and potential areas for intervention.
The outcome of the research is expected to guide the development of a legal framework for greening the internet ecosystem in Zimbabwe.
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