SESSION ONE THE FUTURE OF ZIMBABWE’S INTERNET ECOSYSTEM The aim of the introductory session was to outline the conference objectives, define the internet and explain multistakeholderism as the recommended approach to internet governance. It also carried the keynote address profiling the government perspective on internet governance and giving an outline on the structure, functions and plans of the Zimbabwe Internet Governance Forum (ZIGF) SESSION FACILITATOR BRENDA ZULU ICT Journalist & Founder Africa Interactive Media Zambian \Bloggers Network Brenda is a content creator, networker and manager, strategic planner and innovative leader. An Award winner in reporting on Information Communication Technologies for development (ICT4D), who has marketing community and public relations experience with computer and Internet skills. 2.1 Why a Multi Stakeholder Approach? PRESENTED BY NHLANHLA NGWENYA MISA Zimbabwe National Director & Media Activist Nhlanhla is the Media Institute of Southern Africa- Zimbabwean Chapter Director with over fifteen years media experience as a radio journalist, media rights advocate and practitioner. Under his stewardship, MISA-Zimbabwe has grown its membership and campaigns in promoting plurality, professionalism, self-sufficiency and independence from mainstream journalists to ordinary citizens and citizen media. • The Internet Governance Conference was convened in recognition of and in collaboration with the National Internet Governance Forum (ZIGF). The ZIGF inaugural conference officially opened public policy dialogue on internet governance in Zimbabwe bringing together government, private sector, civil society and the academia. relevance of the internet in Zimbabwe’s developmental agenda; exploring the current status of internet use and regulation, particularly who mediates participation on the internet as well as drawing a framework on how it can be used and governed for the public good. • Taking a cue from the government processes and in line with its advocacy work on access to information and freedom of expression, MISA- Zimbabwe convened the conference to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. Zimbabwe has experienced encouraging internet growth in recent years with internet penetration rate having reached close to 50%. This is spurred by the growing adaptation of technology, a relatively freer internet space and a mobile penetration rate of more than 90%. • The objectives of the conference, among others, was to open engagement on the • The internet opens a huge gateway to improved livelihoods, new and cheaper INTERNET GOVERNANCE MULTISTAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE REPORT 2015 • 009 learning options, a reduction of latency in commercial transactions and social networking and new forms of entrepreneurship that contribute to national development. While the growth of the internet presents endless possibilities for individuals, commercial companies and governments alike, it also has its downside as well as a set of responsibilities that need to be carefully managed in order to get the most out of the deal. Due to its nature as a public platform, the internet has placed new demands on national governance. It comprises several players from across the globe with various interest groups taking ownership of the spaces it provides. • The internet is a complex resource that www.misazim.com @misazimbabwe MISA Zimbabwe