Lusaka, 16th April 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) today paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, to brief him on the institution’s milestones and strategic direction as it continues to drive digital transformation in Zambia’s education and research landscape.
Leading the delegation was ZAMREN CEO Mr. Stein Mkandawire, who shared the organization’s key achievements from the past year. He announced that ZAMREN has now connected all Colleges of Education across the country to its high-speed broadband network. Two secondary schools, Faith Baptist Secondary School in Silverest area of Chongwe District and Serenje Boys STEM Secondary School in Serenje have also been brought onboard the ZAMREN network, bringing the total number of connected institutions to over 167.
“ZAMREN’s mission is to empower the academic and research community through world-class digital infrastructure and services,” said Mr. Mkandawire.
“We are proud to support government efforts by ensuring no institution is left behind, from the far north in Mbala to urban centers like Lusaka and beyond we continue to connect institutions.”
He also revealed that ZAMREN is preparing to roll out the College Student Information System (COSIS), a comprehensive platform that will digitize student services by integrating online application processes and payment gateway enabling students to use their visa cards, make bank transfers and conduct mobile money transactions.
Additionally, ZAMREN has extended eduroam which is a secure, global Wi-Fi service to public spaces such as Intercity Bus Terminus, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and East Park Mall in Lusaka, enabling students and researchers to stay connected wherever they are. ZAMREN is yet to roll out this service to 9 shopping malls situated in the remaining 9 provincial headquarters across Zambia.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima commended ZAMREN for its continued innovation and responsiveness to the needs of the education sector.
“ZAMREN is doing commendable work in pushing the boundaries of digital transformation in education. You are not only connecting institutions you are connecting minds, ideas and futures,” he said.
The Minister urged universities and colleges to fully utilize these innovations by embracing applied research and innovation that tackle Zambia’s developmental challenges.
“Our institutions must move beyond theory. I challenge universities and colleges to focus on applied research, research that leads to solutions. We must develop home-grown innovations that address real issues in agriculture, energy, education and beyond. Let us make value addition a local solution, not just a slogan,” Mr. Syakalima emphasized.
Looking ahead, ZAMREN will host the 2025 ZAMREN Week and Annual General Meeting(AGM) in September 2025 under the theme “Building a Culture of Research and Innovation for National Development.” The event is expected to draw national and international stakeholders in education, research and ICT.
