UbuntuNet Connect 2025: Resilient & Sustainable Research & Education Networks for the Future
Hosted by Zimren | October 30–31, 2025 | Harare, Zimbabwe
Zimren is proud to announce its role as the host of UbuntuNet Connect 2025, the flagship annual conference of the UbuntuNet Alliance, taking place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on October 30–31, 2025. Under the theme “Resilient and Sustainable Research and Education Networks for the Future,” this event will unite policymakers, researchers, ICT innovators, and education leaders to advance Africa’s digital transformation.
Why This Theme Matters
Research and Education Networks (RENs) are the backbone of academic collaboration and innovation. As cyber threats, connectivity gaps, and environmental challenges grow, RENs must adopt resilient, sustainable, and inclusive strategies to empower future-ready institutions. This year’s conference will explore:
- Strengthening REN resilience through cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and policy innovation.
- Expanding equitable access to high-performance computing, cloud solutions, and open science.
- Leveraging emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IPv6 to bridge the digital divide.
- Promoting green networking and financially sustainable models for long-term impact.
Key Sub-Themes & Discussion Topics
- Network Resilience & Cybersecurity
Strategies to combat cyber threats, safeguard research data, and implement robust identity/access management.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Cloud for Research
Democratizing access to HPC, AI, and big data tools for resource-limited institutions.
- Open Science & Educational Resources
Advancing FAIR data principles, open-access repositories, and collaborative research frameworks.
- Policy & Governance for Sustainable RENs
Policies to enhance funding, public-private partnerships, and cross-border collaboration.
- The Future of Internet Connectivity
The role of 5G, satellite internet (e.g., Starlink), and IPv6 in connecting underserved institutions.
- Green & Sustainable Networks
Innovations in energy-efficient computing and eco-friendly ICT practices.
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
Best practices for system redundancy, rapid recovery, and crisis-resistant RENs.
- Monetization & Financial Sustainability
Models for diversified funding, value-added services, and reducing donor dependency.
Call for Contributions
We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit:
- Keynote presentations
- Panel discussions
- Research papers
- Case studies
Why Attend UbuntuNet Connect 2025?
✅ Network with African and global REN leaders.
✅ Discover breakthroughs in connectivity, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
✅ Shape policies that drive equitable digital access.
✅ Explore Zimbabwe’s vibrant research and innovation landscape.
Join Us in Harare!
Date: October 30–31, 2025
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Host: Zimren
For more information and updates:
- Contact: info@zimren.ac.zw
For submissions and more conference-related details, click the UbuntuNet Connect 2025 button below.