October 30-31, Harare, Zimbabwe
Theme: Resilient and Sustainable Research and Education Networks for the Future
The UbuntuNet Alliance advances research and education networking across East and Southern Africa. Building resilient research and education networks (RENs) is essential to tackle evolving challenges while maintaining long-term sustainability. This theme examines ways to enhance REN resilience through strong cybersecurity, cutting-edge connectivity solutions, and forward-thinking policy approaches. It also emphasizes the importance of fair and inclusive digital access, eco-friendly networking practices, and international partnerships that foster world-class research. The conference will explore critical areas such as high-performance computing, open science, disaster preparedness, and financial viability to help define the future of RENs. Contributions are welcome in the form of keynote speeches, panel debates, and research presentations that engage with these key topics and align with the conference’s central theme.
Sub-Themes
Network Resilience and Cybersecurity:
High-Performance Computing and Cloud for Research & Education
Open Science and Educational Resources
Policy and Governance for Sustainable Research & Education Networks
- The Future of Internet Connectivity for Research and Education
Green and Sustainable Networks
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity for RENs
Monetization and Sustainability of Research & Education Networks
Who Should Attend/Why should you attend?
- College and University ICT Directors (or equivalent) and Librarians – A chance to showcase your institution’s digital transformation progress, gain insights from peers, exchange knowledge, and engage in discussions on current challenges, innovative digital solutions, and collaborative opportunities.
- Researchers, academics, and students— Share your experiences leveraging digital technologies and the UbuntuNet Alliance/NREN infrastructure to enhance research, teaching, and learning for future innovation. This is an opportunity to gain insights and establish new collaborative partnerships across Africa.
- Government officers (related to ICT and Education): Explore current and planned government policies, actions, and frameworks designed to drive the digital transformation of African universities. Learn from comparative international experiences.
- Private/Industry—Showcase case studies on cutting-edge digital technologies driving innovation in African universities. This is your opportunity to explore institutional challenges, share actionable solutions, and identify potential partnerships.
- NREN Community: This session offers a chance to hear directly from end-users and discover how NREN services can serve as both a catalyst and foundation for transforming digital higher education institutions.
Timelines
- March 10 – Call for papers presentations opens.
- June 2 – Early bird registration opens
- June 30 – Deadline to submit paper proposals
- August 31 – Early bird registration closes
- September 1 – Regular registration opens
- September 30 – Regular registration closes
- October 30-31, UbuntuNet-Connect 2025.
Sponsorship
This represents a distinctive engagement opportunity for enterprises of all scales to access Africa’s research and education networking market and present their offerings.
Reasons to Sponsor
- Thought Leadership – Position your products, services, and executives as key players in the research and education community.
- Networking – Gain face-to-face access and direct contact with typically hard-to-reach decision-makers and the education community.
- Branding – The sponsorship will give your company or organisation the visibility it needs in the African research and education community.
Organising Committee
UbuntuNet Alliance
- Harold Bowa
- Mable Swart
- Beatrice Ng’ambi
- Aubrey Kondowe
- Shadreck Kalitera
- Wilson Wasswa
- Revelation Nyirongo
ZIMREN
- Mirriam Chahuruva
- Luka Chapeyama
- Solomon Kasirori
- Leonah Mawire
Conference Venue
The Rainbow Towers Hotel & International Conference Centre is a premier global convention facility with unmatched conference capacity. As the top choice for events in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, it offers 19 versatile conference rooms in small, medium, and large sizes. The venue is situated near the lively city center, just 12 km from the airport, amidst expansive, beautifully landscaped gardens.
Key Links
- More information on Toursit Activities: Zimbabwe Tourism Board
- Visa Information: Visa applicants are advised to apply through the official Zimbabwe e-Visa platform.
- Health: More information can be found on the Zimbabwe Tourism Board Webpage on Health.
UbuntuNet Connect 2024 Highlights
