Lusaka, Zambia
The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) hosted a delegation from the World Bank at the ZAMREN House in Lusaka. The visiting team is part of the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) project, an ambitious regional initiative aimed at accelerating digital development and inclusion across the continent.
The visit forms part of the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), which is the second phase of the broader IDEA programme. The World Bank team’s stop at the ZAMREN House was designed to give them a firsthand appreciation of the work ZAMREN is doing to support Zambia’s digital transformation journey, particularly within the research and education sector.
Leading the delegation was ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, who facilitated an engaging discussion and guided the visitors on a comprehensive tour of ZAMREN’s facilities. The CEO showcased ZAMREN’s range of services, from affordable broadband connectivity and secure data hosting to identity federation and advanced digital platforms tailored for research and academic institutions.
Mr. Mkandawire emphasized that ZAMREN’s strategic mandate goes beyond just internet provision; it is about enabling innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment among Zambia’s research and education communities. “ZAMREN is not just a network; it is an enabler of research, learning, and progress. Our mission aligns squarely with the pillars of the IDEA project especially in fostering digital infrastructure, digital public platforms, and digital skills,” he said.
The World Bank team expressed appreciation for the robust role ZAMREN is playing in bridging the digital divide and advancing the country’s knowledge economy. They commended ZAMREN’s contribution toward enhancing digital resilience and building a digital foundation that supports inclusive growth.
Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, the delegation gained deeper insights into how ZAMREN supports universities, research institutions, colleges, and schools, bringing them onto a shared, high-performance digital backbone that enables access to global resources and collaboration with peers across borders.
As Zambia accelerates its digital transformation under the DZAP, ZAMREN stands out as a critical stakeholder and trusted partner in realizing national and regional digital goals.
The visit reaffirms the importance of partnerships and institutional capacity-building in unlocking Africa’s digital future, especially in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
