The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) has held its first quarterly engagement of 2026 with SMART Zambia Institute which is the e-Government Division to share updates on key initiatives aimed at strengthening Zambia’s digital infrastructure and supporting innovation in the education sector. ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, accompanied by members of the ZAMREN team, paid a courtesy call on the SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama, at the Institute’s offices in Lusaka. The meeting formed part of the ongoing engagements between the two institutions to review progress, share updates and explore areas of collaboration in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda. During the meeting, ZAMREN shared updates on the deployment of the University and College Student Information System (UNICOSIS) across universities and colleges in Zambia. The platform is designed to strengthen digital academic administration by enabling institutions to manage processes such as online student registration, fee payments, examinations management and other academic services more efficiently. The delegation also highlighted ZAMREN’s plans to connect 20 secondary schools across the country to the internet in 2026, with connectivity being provided free of charge. The initiative is expected to expand access to digital learning resources and contribute to bridging the digital divide in the education sector. Another innovation shared during the engagement was the introduction of eduroam-enabled SIM cards, developed through a partnership between ZAMREN, ZedMobile and ZAMTEL. The SIM cards will enable students, researchers and educators to securely access internet services beyond traditional eduroam hotspots, ensuring greater flexibility and connectivity. ZAMREN further shared its ambition to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) models tailored for teaching and learning, as part of broader efforts to support institutions in adopting emerging technologies that enhance research, teaching and academic As the first quarterly engagement of the year, the meeting set the tone for continued cooperation between ZAMREN and the SMART Zambia Institute in supporting Zambia’s evolving digital ecosystem. The exchange of updates and ideas reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the technological foundations that support education, research and innovation nationwide.

The Ruins Hostels at the University of Zambia (UNZA) now have internet powered by the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN). This milestone forms part of ZAMREN’s Student Halls of Residence Internet Upgrade Project, which has, for the first time in the university’s history, extended high-performance internet connectivity directly into student accommodation facilities. Through a 50-50 cost-sharing partnership between UNZA and ZAMREN, reliable connectivity is now accessible within the Ruins Hostels, enabling students to participate in virtual lectures, access research databases and digital libraries, collaborate online, and continue academic engagement beyond lecture hours. Previously, over 90% of student hostels lacked structured Wi-Fi coverage, leaving thousands of students dependent on personal data bundles and constrained bandwidth during peak academic hours. The upgrade therefore represents not just improved connectivity, but a direct response to long-standing digital access challenges within student residences. Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Great East Road Campus, UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Mundia Muya emphasized the strategic importance of digital infrastructure in higher education, stating that “Effective hybrid learning is crucial in complementing face-to-face learning. Reliable digital connectivity is central to aligning UNZA with modern university standards and ensuring students remain competitive in a digital world.” He further noted that extending internet access to hostels is not merely a technical upgrade, but a deliberate step toward strengthening academic delivery, research capacity and student success. ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Mkandawire underscored the broader national significance of the project, stating that “Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a fundamental enabler of education, innovation and national development. A student’s room should not be a barrier to knowledge, it should be a gateway to opportunity.” He added that the 50-50 cost-sharing model demonstrates institutional commitment and sustainability, noting that “When institutions co-invest in digital infrastructure, they strengthen sustainability and long-term impact. This is about shared responsibility and shared progress.” The Ruins Hostels upgrade represents a total investment of K825,516.25 (Eight Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Sixteen Kwacha and Twenty-Five Ngwee), underscoring the joint commitment by UNZA and ZAMREN to delivering sustainable, student-centred digital infrastructure. ZAMREN remains firmly committed to the continued implementation and expansion of the Student Halls of Residence Internet Upgrade Project across member institutions, ensuring that student accommodation spaces evolve into fully integrated digital learning environments.