"Building Sustainable Futures: Kenny Cruz Launches 'Host One IMRS' for SDG 9 in Cabo Verde"

Can you give a brief overview of your project related to SDG 9?

My project focuses on hosting an IMRS (ICANN Managed Root Server) in Cabo Verde, with the goal of strengthening the country's digital infrastructure. This directly supports SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By increasing internet resilience, reducing latency, and ensuring faster and more secure access to digital services. By localizing critical internet infrastructure, the project promotes technological innovation, boosts connectivity for citizens and institutions, and lays the foundation for a robust digital economy. It also encourages sustainable development through inclusive digital transformation, positioning Cabo Verde as a proactive player in Africa’s digital future.

What motivated you to focus on this particular aspect of SDG 9?

What motivated me was the vulnerability of Cabo Verde as a small island developing state that relies heavily on external internet connections. Any disruption can digitally isolate the country. I saw a clear opportunity to contribute to SDG 9 by improving our technological resilience and fostering innovation through better infrastructure. Hosting an IMRS server locally not only improves internet performance, it also enhances the security of online content. As someone committed to contributing to digital inclusion, I believe this project is a vital step toward ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

What were the main objectives of your project?

To improve internet infrastructure in Cabo Verde by hosting an IMRS server, enhancing the speed, security, and resilience of DNS access. This initiative also promotes Digital Sovereignty by reducing dependence on external networks and ensuring local control over critical internet infrastructure.

How has your project contributed to building resilient infrastructure or promoting sustainable industrialization?

My project can contribute to building resilient infrastructure by introducing a local copy of the ICANN root server in Cabo Verde. This strengthens the national internet infrastructure, ensuring faster and more stable DNS resolution even during global or regional outages. It reduces latency, minimizes the risk of disconnection, and enhances cybersecurity, all key elements of a resilient digital infrastructure.

Did your project involve any innovative approaches or technologies? If so, can you describe them?

Yes, my project involved an innovative approach by proposing the local hosting of this server a critical component of the global Internet infrastructure, in a small island developing state like Cabo Verde, where such infrastructure is usually absent.

Instead of relying solely on traditional connectivity routes through Europe or the Americas, the project introduced the idea of decentralizing DNS resolution locally, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient internet access.

The innovation lies in the strategic integration of global infrastructure (root servers) into a local context, promoting digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and resilience using existing internet technologies in a new and sustainable way.

What were some of the challenges you encountered while implementing your project, and how did you address them?

One of the main challenges I faced during the implementation of the IMRS project was securing support from key stakeholders. In a small country like Cabo Verde, there was a need to raise awareness and gain buy-in from various parties, including government agencies and private sector actors.

To address this, I proactively engaged in outreach and dialogue, presenting the project at events such as ICANN@NextGen78 and working closely with stakeholders such as ARME and the Government of Cabo Verde to align it with national objectives.

Can you share any specific outcomes or achievements of your project in relation to SDG 9?

Greater awareness of digital infrastructure needs, the project successfully raised awareness in Cabo Verde about the importance of resilient internet infrastructure. By presenting the "Host one IMRS in Cabo Verde" project as a fellow of the ICANN@NextGen78 program and publishing articles, I was able to engage key stakeholders, especially ARME, which acts as the telecommunications regulator.

The project led to knowledge sharing and capacity building among local stakeholders, including government authorities and tech experts. This aligns with SDG 9’s goal of promoting innovation and strengthening local technical expertise.

Did you collaborate with any partners or stakeholders during your work on the project? If so, how did these collaborations enhance the project's impact?

My participation in ICANN@NextGen78 allowed me to connect with key decision-makers and understand the technical and regulatory requirements for hosting an IMRS server in Cabo Verde. The support from ICANN was essential in shaping the direction of the project.

ARME (Multisectoral Regulatory Agency for the Economy) – ARME played a crucial role as a potential host for the IMRS server. Collaborating with the organization not only helped align the project with national regulations and goals, but this partnership was vital to ensure the legitimacy and long-term success potential of the project.

What lessons did you learn from carrying out this project related to SDG 9?

Collaborating with local stakeholders such as ARME and private sector companies proved essential to gaining the support and resources needed to move the project forward. It’s clear that sustainable infrastructure projects depend on strong local partnerships to align with national priorities and ensure long-term success. And one of the key lessons was realizing the importance of digital sovereignty for small island nations like Cabo Verde. By bringing critical internet infrastructure such as the IMRS server to the country, it becomes less dependent on foreign infrastructure, reducing the risks of external disruptions and increasing control over national digital systems.

How do you envision the scalability or sustainability of your project's outcomes in the context of promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization?

The project can serve as a true catalyst for positioning Cabo Verde as a digital reference point in our sub-region. By installing this digital infrastructure in the country, we not only significantly improve latency but also strengthen digital security.

However, as we become more digital, we also increase our vulnerability to cyber threats. That’s why it is essential to invest in strong and resilient digital infrastructure capable of ensuring the continuity of digital services even in the face of cyberattacks.

This approach directly contributes to promoting resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization, aligning with the country’s digital and economic development goals.