On January 27th and 28th, 2025, the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) hosted a delegation from Angola, along with representatives from the UbuntuNet Alliance, at the ZAMREN House in Lusaka. The visit aimed to facilitate benchmarking efforts by the Angolan delegation as Angola seeks to establish its own National Research and Education Network (NREN) called ANGOREN.
The delegation, led by Ms. Elizabeth Sapalalo from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Angola, expressed gratitude to ZAMREN for the valuable insights and best practices shared during the visit. “The insights gained from ZAMREN’s experience will serve as a guiding light as we embark on the journey to establish our own NREN,’’ Ms. Sapalalo said.
In his remarks, ZAMREN Board Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya, emphasized ZAMREN’s pivotal role in advancing education and research through technological innovation and collaboration. “ZAMREN is proud to be a leading example of how an NREN can transform research and education. Our network connects 166 institutions, including universities, research centers, and schools, providing them with reliable, high-speed internet to foster innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. We are honored to share our journey and experience with our Angolan colleagues as they take steps to develop their own NREN,” he said.
ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, provided an overview of ZAMREN’s establishment, operations and impact. He detailed the strategic partnerships and technological infrastructure that have enabled ZAMREN to deliver exceptional services to its member institutions. Mr. Mkandawire also underscored the network’s role in facilitating collaborative research and e-learning opportunities across Zambia and beyond.
Meanwhile, UbuntuNet Alliance through the Board Chairperson, Prof. Hellicy N’gambi and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Madara Ogot, commended ZAMREN for its leadership and encouraged Angola to leverage the collective expertise within the UbuntuNet Alliance to build a robust NREN tailored to their national needs.
By hosting the Angolan and UbuntuNet Alliance delegations, ZAMREN reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional partnerships and advancing the role of technology in education and research.
