Resolution 522 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa highlights that “digital violence is increasingly gendered and disproportionately affects women, through inter alia threats of sexual violence, misogynistic disinformation campaigns and “revenge pornography…” The Resolution encourages member states to take measures to safeguard women journalists from digital violence, including gender-sensitive media literacy and digital security training. It also calls on member states to facilitate cooperation between law enforcement and service providers to identify perpetrators and gather evidence of online harm. INTERNET GOVERNANCE Internet Governance Forum On 20 March 2024, MISA convened an Internet Governance Forum in Harare. The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services officials, legislators, media tech experts, academia, regulators and telecommunications industry representatives attended the meeting. MISA launched its report on Artificial Intelligence in Southern Africa at the meeting. The report provides invaluable insights into the current uptake of AI in the region, its applications, and its role in disinformation, particularly during elections. In her speech, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to crafting the AI regulatory framework. She said: “To achieve a successful ICT policy, the regulatory environment needs to be reviewed, which involves reviewing some legislation.” She said inadequate communication infrastructure, especially for people with special needs, was a great hindrance to access. The minister said the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) should protect consumers against high data costs. Rushinga MP Tendai Nyabani stressed the need to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas and revise data prices downwards. The government committed to working with MISA to develop an inclusive national AI regulatory framework. 11 MISA Zimbabwe Annual Report 2024