Green computing techniques for eco-friendly digital transformation in developing economies

The rapid proliferation of computing technologies, cloud infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices has intensified global energy consumption, accelerated electronic waste generation, and amplified greenhouse gas emissions. These trends pose acute sustainability challenges, particularly for developing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa where power infrastructure remains unreliable, e-waste governance frameworks are nascent, and financial resources for green technology adoption are severely constrained. This paper presents a comprehensive review of green computing techniques and examines their potential to create environmentally sustainable computing environments in developing economies. Drawing on a structured review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2010 and 2024, the study analyses key green computing dimensions including energy-efficient data center design, server virtualization, cloud resource optimization, e-waste lifecycle management, green procurement, AI-driven power management, and renewable energy integration. The findings reveal that, while significant adoption gaps persist in low-income settings, targeted policy interventions, capacity-building programmes, and south-south technology transfer partnerships can substantially advance green computing uptake. The study concludes that green computing is not a luxury exclusive to technologically advanced nations but a strategic imperative for developing economies seeking to leapfrog legacy, energy-intensive ICT infrastructure and achieve sustainable digital development.