Lusaka, 8th May 2025 — The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) proudly hosted the UbuntuNet Alliance NREN CEOs’ Meetingat ZAMREN House in Lusaka, bringing together top leaders of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) from across Eastern and Southern Africa. The meeting served as a platform for strategic engagement, knowledge-sharing, and celebration of key achievements in advancing research and education networking on the continent.
In his official opening remarks, ZAMREN Board Chairperson, Professor Mundia Muya, warmly welcomed delegates, describing the gathering as “a powerful reminder of what we as NRENs are capable of achieving when we collaborate, innovate, and lead with purpose.”
Prof. Muya shared several important milestones ZAMREN has reached over the past year, highlighting the organisation’s continued commitment to expanding digital access and educational innovation across Zambia. Among the achievements shared were:
- 100% broadband connectivity to all Colleges of Education in Zambia
- Extension of ZAMREN’s services to secondary schools such as Faith Baptist Secondary School in Chongwe and Serenje Boys STEM Secondary School in Serenje.
- The rollout of COSIS, a new College Student Information System to improve digital student services.
- Deployment of eduroam at key public spaces including Intercity Bus Terminus, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, and East Park Mall in Lusaka, with plans to extend to all nine remaining provincial centres.
“These are not just technological expansions,” Prof. Muya emphasized. “They are strategic interventions that position ZAMREN as a national driver of digital inclusion, educational innovation, and institutional resilience.”
He also underscored ZAMREN’s alignment with national priorities, citing a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, who praised the organisation’s work and called on universities and colleges to use the infrastructure for applied research and innovation.
“It is not enough to provide connectivity; we must cultivate a culture of solution-driven research,” Prof. Muya stressed.
In his remarks, Professor Madara Ogot, Chief Executive Officer of the UbuntuNet Alliance, commended ZAMREN for its leadership and hospitality, describing the organisation as a model for other NRENs in the region.
“We are happy to be hosted by ZAMREN, and even more inspired by the fact that it is the only NREN in the world with its own purpose-built headquarters,” Prof. Ogot said.
“This is a significant achievement that demonstrates ZAMREN’s long-term commitment to institutional growth and sustainability.”
He further acknowledged ZAMREN’s progress in expanding broadband connectivity, digital services, and regional collaboration, noting that such milestones are essential in helping Africa’s research and education institutions thrive in a global digital economy.
As part of the closing highlights, Prof. Muya announced the upcoming ZAMREN Week and Annual General Meeting, to be held in September under the theme:
“Building a Culture of Research and Innovation for National Development.”
The event will bring together local and international stakeholders to foster dialogue and partnerships that drive Zambia’s knowledge economy forward.
