ZAMREN Briefs Ministry of Education on Key Innovations
Lusaka, 21 July 2025– ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, led a team from the Zambia Research and Education Network on a courtesy call to Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary – Technical Services at the Ministry of Education. The engagement served as a strategic update on ZAMREN’s latest innovations aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Zambia’s education and research ecosystem. Key Highlights from the Engagement During the meeting, Mr. Mkandawire briefed Dr. Mambwe on several high-impact initiatives ZAMREN is currently rolling out in partnership with institutions and global technology leaders: ✅ COSIS (College Students Information System):ZAMREN’s home-grown student information system is transforming how institutions manage student data, from registration to performance tracking across multiple campuses. COSIS is designed to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve accountability. ✅ AI in Education – Powered by AWS:ZAMREN is working in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to pilot Artificial Intelligence in Education at the University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU), and Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT). This proof of concept is aimed at personalizing learning, automating content delivery, and enabling data-driven teaching and administration. ✅ Affordable Internet Access for Students:To address the digital divide in student accommodation, ZAMREN has commenced the rollout of internet access in hostels under a 50-50 cost-sharing model with institutions. This initiative will ensure that students have reliable connectivity right where they live and study. ✅ eduroam Expansion – Beyond Campuses:ZAMREN has extended eduroam, its global Wi-Fi access service, to Kitwe City Square and the Kitwe City Library, offering off-campus connectivity to students and researchers. Plans are underway to launch eduroam at Mosi-oa-Tunya Square and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, expanding secure academic roaming even further. Government Applauds ZAMREN’s Digital Drive In his response, Dr. Mambwe commended ZAMREN for its commitment to advancing Zambia’s education sector through technology. He noted the alignment between ZAMREN’s projects and the Ministry’s digital agenda and reaffirmed the government’s support in scaling these transformative solutions. “What ZAMREN is doing speaks to the future of education. Digital tools like COSIS and eduroam are game changers, and we are committed to supporting their rollout across institutions,” said Dr. Mambwe.
ZAMREN Showcases eduroam as a Gateway to Digital Libraries at the 52nd LIAZ Annual General Conference
Livingstone, 24 July 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) participated in the 52nd Annual General Conference of the Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ), held in Livingstone under the theme “Building Resilient Information Services: Innovation, Inclusion and Action in the Age of AI.” ZAMREN’s contribution to the conference was marked by a compelling presentation delivered by the institution’s Marketing and Sales Officer, Mr. Bernard Nkhata, titled: eduroam – The Gateway to Digital Libraries. As libraries continue to evolve into digital knowledge hubs, ZAMREN reaffirmed its commitment to empowering academic institutions and public libraries through scalable, secure, and inclusive digital infrastructure. The presentation highlighted how eduroam (education roaming), ZAMREN’s flagship wireless access service, is redefining access to digital content and e-resources across Zambia. During his presentation, Mr. Nkhata demonstrated how ZAMREN is driving innovation and access by offering a comprehensive suite of digital services that support library transformation and the broader education and research ecosystem. Key highlights included: ✅ Affordable Connectivity: ZAMREN continues to provide cost-effective internet solutions tailored for educational and research institutions, ensuring equitable access to knowledge for learners and researchers alike. ✅ eduroam in Public Spaces: In addition to institutional campuses, eduroam has been successfully deployed in public locations such as Kitwe City Square and the Kitwe City Library, making it easier for students, researchers, and staff to stay connected to their academic networks outside campus boundaries. ✅ Cloud Services (VPS): ZAMREN’s Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting enables libraries and institutions to securely manage and deploy digital content with reliability and scalability. ✅ Reliable Colocation Services: With 24/7 uptime and monitoring, ZAMREN’s colocation infrastructure ensures that institutions have uninterrupted access to essential digital library resources and applications. ✅ Learning Platforms like Moodle: Through fully supported Moodle platforms, ZAMREN continues to enhance digital learning environments, supporting e-library access, content management, and user engagement for both students and educators. Looking Ahead As Zambia continues to position itself within the knowledge economy, ZAMREN remains at the forefront of digital library solutions bridging the gap between information, innovation, and inclusive access.
ZAMREN Earns Top Honours at the 2025 Zambia International Trade Fair
Ndola, 9th July 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) proudly participated in the 59th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Ndola from 2nd to 8th July 2025, under the theme “Enhancing Business Resilience through Innovation and Trade.” As Zambia’s premier platform for showcasing business innovation and networking, the Trade Fair provided a strategic opportunity for ZAMREN to exhibit its transformative ICT services tailored to the education and research sectors. ZAMREN’s participation was marked by a dynamic presence in the Rex Fertig Hall exhibition area, where the organization showcased a wide range of digital services including high-speed connectivity, federated identity management, cloud computing, web hosting, domain name services (DNS), and the College Students Information System (COSIS) which is a groundbreaking solution designed to digitalize student admissions, registrations, and academic processes. In recognition of its outstanding exhibition and the innovative value it continues to deliver to Zambia’s academic and research landscape, ZAMREN received two prestigious awards: These accolades are not only a testament to ZAMREN’s innovation and operational excellence but also a validation of the vital role it plays in fostering resilience and sustainability within Zambia’s knowledge economy. By enabling access to high-quality digital infrastructure, ZAMREN supports the academic community in conducting advanced research, implementing e-learning platforms, and participating in global research collaborations. The organization also received widespread interest from trade fair attendees, including government representatives, educators, students, and members of the public who visited the ZAMREN stand to learn more about its service offering and explore opportunities for collaboration.
ZAMREN Strengthens Zambia’s Global Presence at TNC25Brighton, United Kingdom
ZAMREN has once again placed Zambia on the global stage by successfully participating in TNC25 (TERENA Networking Conference), the world’s largest and most prestigious research and education networking event. The conference was held from 9th to 13th June 2025 in Brighton, United Kingdom under the theme: Brighter Together.Led by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stein Mkandawire, the ZAMREN delegation joined an international community of more than 800 delegates from 72 countries, taking part in high-level discussions that are shaping the future of digital infrastructure for research and education.Participation at TNC25 reflected more than visibility, it demonstrated Zambia’s active role in the global conversation around digital innovation, connectivity, and sustainability in education. The conference provided a unique platform for ZAMREN to share Zambia’s experiences and progress in developing a digital ecosystem that enables students to thrive, empowers researchers to innovate, and fosters collaboration among academic and research institutions locally, regionally, and internationally.Throughout the week, ZAMREN delegates engaged with global experts on a range of topics, including next-generation network technologies, digital transformation, cybersecurity, open science, and international collaboration among other key subjects. The conference also served as an opportunity to establish new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships within the international NREN (National Research and Education Network) community.ZAMREN’s participation also demonstrated the important role that African NRENs can play in shaping the future of global digital research networks, contributing unique perspectives and driving inclusive growth within the digital knowledge economy.About TNC25Organized annually by the GÉANT community, TNC is the world’s leading conference for research and education networking. It brings together decision-makers, technical experts, network managers, academic researchers, and thought leaders from across the globe to explore the latest trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the digital future of research and education.
ZAMREN Reaffirms Support for Environmental Research on World Environment Day
Lusaka, 5 June 2025 – As the world comes together to commemorate World Environment Day, ZAMREN joins the global call for urgent action to protect our planet. With the 2025 theme focused on “Ending Plastic Pollution – A Call to Action,” this day serves as a powerful reminder of the need for collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges. At ZAMREN, our mission extends beyond connectivity. We recognize that the research and education institutions we serve are at the heart of developing the knowledge and innovations needed to confront climate change, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable development. In a statement marking this important day, ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting environmental research: “At ZAMREN, we are proud to power the research and innovation that drives environmental solutions. This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to enabling institutions across Zambia with the digital tools they need to tackle climate change, pollution, and other pressing environmental challenges.” ZAMREN’s digital infrastructure plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to global research networks, cloud computing resources, and collaborative platforms that are essential for researchers addressing issues like deforestation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. As a practical example of ZAMREN’s own environmental consciousness, the organization continues to preserve and maintain the lush green surroundings of ZAMREN House, a reflection of our respect for nature and our responsibility to promote sustainable workplace environments. Through collective action and digital empowerment, we believe that the research and education community in Zambia can drive meaningful change for the environment.
ZAMREN Hosts UbuntuNet Alliance NREN CEOs’ Meeting – A Milestone for Regional Collaboration
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: “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.
