on social issues, such as service delivery, economic and political issues such as economic performance, job markets, business, issues of internet governance and the general politics of the day. • While the opportunities brought about by the internet in Zimbabwe and the region are vast and commendable; the possible challenges it brings with it are also of concern. The internet brings a host of challenges to issues of peace and security, which are of great concern to governments on the continent. • It is now trite to make claims that by merely using the internet Zimbabwe nd the region can achieve varying percentages of economic growth. There is need to physically enquire efforts and progress that translates this potential into actuality, and offer guidance towards securing benefit from the use of the internet. Therefore, to achieve this national and regional development the internet must be accessed and used by everyone without discrimination. • Examples of this include the manipulation of the internet by elements and groups in societies to spread terrorism, overthrow governments and commit other forms of atrocities. The Arab spring movements and the insurgencies that occurred in Egypt are classical examples of this. Unlike other communication technologies, the internet is a formidable tool which is very fast and simple to use, and poses serious challenges in terms of monitoring online activity. • At regional level, the internet can be used to promote the creation of a United States of Africa (USA). The internet can thus be used to promote and facilitate regional growth through promoting smooth and efficient regional interaction and communication. • • There is therefore a serious need to govern the use of the internet, and unlock its positive developmental opportunities while using it responsibly to advance social, economic and political benefits. It is therefore important that Internet Governance be priority in Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Internet can be used to transform African societies by helping to improve quality of life, shape and promote African narratives as opposed to being at the receiving end of international narratives of development and human rights. 2.5 The Internet Governance Forum: Whither Zimbabwe? PRESENTED BY Tichafa Rixon Mujuru Head of ICTs - POTRAZ Tichafa is a seasoned Information & Communication Technology executive with more than 20 years professional experience in the ICT industry and hands-on experience in IS Strategic Management, Software Development and Project Management. He currently represents POTRAZ on the Zimbabwe Internet Governance Forum (ZIGF) Multi-stakeholder Coordinating Team. Zimbabwe defines Internet Governance in accordance with the WSIS Tunis Agenda of 2005 that defines it as: the development and application by governments, the private sector, and civil society, in their respective roles, of shared principles, norms, rules, decision making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and use of the Internet. the internet governance debate i.e. those representing the government, private sector, civil society, technical community, and the academic community, on an equal basis through an open and inclusive process. • The IGF identifies existing and emerging internet-related public policy issues for purposes of bringing them to the attention of the relevant authorities and the general public, and where appropriate, make recommendations to the relevant authorities. The IGF does not have any direct decision-making authority. Zimbabwe subscribes to the WSIS Tunis 2005 - established global Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The IGF is a multi-stakeholder forum for public policy dialogue on issues of internet governance. It brings together all stakeholders in Global IG •Conceptual Models for Internet Governance The models for Internet Governance can be illustrated on Fig 1.1 Africa IGF Southern Africa IGF National IGFs INTERNET GOVERNANCE MULTISTAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE REPORT 2015 013 www.misazim.com @misazimbabwe MISA Zimbabwe