Theme: From Growth to Impact The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) invites academics, researchers, ICT professionals, policymakers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, innovators, industry practitioners and development partners to submit original research papers, case studies, technical papers and evidence-based innovations for presentation at ZAMREN Week 2027. Guided by the theme  “From Growth to Impact” the event will bring together the research and education community to share ideas, showcase innovations, and strengthen collaboration in research, education, and digital infrastructure across Zambia and the region. Authors are encouraged to submit original research, case studies, and best practices aligned with the conference theme. Full submission guidelines, key dates, and thematic focus areas are available in the attached Call for Papers document, which all contributors should review before submitting. Join us at ZAMREN Week 2027 and be part of a growing community shaping the future of research and education. Download Call for Papers (PDF)

For six days, ZAMREN’s presence at the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show went beyond displaying services, it helped keep people connected. Held from 29 July to 3 August 2026 under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment,” the show gave ZAMREN an opportunity to demonstrate the role of digital connectivity in Zambia’s economic development. Trade and investment do not happen in isolation. They rely on communication, access to information, skilled people, research and the ability to connect with markets. This is where ZAMREN fits into the theme. By providing universities, colleges and research institutions with reliable and affordable digital infrastructure, ZAMREN supports the development of knowledge and skills needed across Zambia’s productive sectors. Our services also help researchers collaborate, institutions operate more efficiently and innovators turn ideas into practical solutions that can attract investment. From our stand in Cosmas Michelo Hall, visitors explored services such as eduroam, high-speed internet, cloud solutions, Moodle, web and email hosting, technical training and UNICOSIS. ZAMREN also provided free Wi-Fi throughout the hall, keeping exhibitors and visitors connected during the Show. The conversations at our stand reinforced one message: connectivity is no longer simply a convenience, it is part of the infrastructure that makes trade, investment and innovation possible. We thank everyone who stopped by, asked questions, shared ideas or used the free Wi-Fi. The Show may have ended, but ZAMREN’s work of connecting Zambia’s research and education community continues.

For ZAMREN, the 60th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) was about more than showcasing services. It was an opportunity to meet people, have meaningful conversations and demonstrate how connectivity is supporting education and research in Zambia. Held in Ndola from 1st to 7th July 2026 under the theme “Bridging Markets, Building the Future,” the Trade Fair brought together organisations, businesses, institutions and members of the public from across the country and beyond. Over the seven days, the ZAMREN stand welcomed visitors interested in understanding who we are, what we do and how our services are helping institutions stay connected in an increasingly digital world. As Zambia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN), ZAMREN provides connectivity and digital services tailored to the needs of the research and education community. At the Trade Fair, our team interacted with visitors and shared information about services such as high-speed internet connectivity, eduroam, cloud and hosting services, Moodle Learning Management System, federated identity services and specialised technical training. Free Wi-Fi was available around the ZAMREN stand throughout the exhibition, allowing visitors to connect and access the internet while at the Trade Fair. It was a simple but practical demonstration of what sits at the heart of ZAMREN’s work: making it easier for people to access information, communicate, learn and collaborate. The theme “Bridging Markets, Building the Future” closely connected with what ZAMREN works to achieve every day. Through our network, services and partnerships, we are helping build digital bridges between institutions, people, knowledge and opportunities.

ZAMREN continues to strengthen digital learning environments for institutions across Zambia through the commissioning of internet connectivity to student halls of residence, with Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery being among the latest institutions to benefit from this initiative. The initiative was commissioned during the 2026 ZAMREN Week and AGM held in Livingstone and marks another important step towards ensuring that learning extends beyond lecture rooms and libraries. Officially commissioning the project, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary – Administration, Mrs. Joma T. Simuyi, described reliable internet access as a necessity in modern healthcare education and training. Implemented under a 50-50 cost-sharing model, the project is aimed at improving access to online learning, research and collaboration opportunities for students directly from their hostels. The connectivity allows students to access digital learning platforms, medical research materials and virtual collaboration tools without being limited to classroom spaces. The initiative also reflects ZAMREN’s broader commitment towards building inclusive and digitally empowered learning environments for institutions across the country. For students at Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery, the project represents more than internet access, it is an investment in opportunity, knowledge and the future of healthcare education.

Innovation, creativity and problem-solving took centre stage during the 2026 ZAMREN Student Hackathon as university students from across Zambia showcased technology-driven solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges. Held as part of the 2026 ZAMREN Week and AGM in Livingstone, the hackathon once again demonstrated the growing potential of young innovators in shaping Zambia’s digital future. Now in its second year since its introduction at 2025 ZAMREN Week, the initiative continues to evolve into a dynamic platform where students are challenged to think beyond the classroom and develop practical solutions through technology. This year’s competition focused on two categories namely Zambia Digital ID and AgriTech Solutions. In the Zambia Digital ID category, ZCAS University emerged as the first prize winner, while Mulungushi University secured second place. ZCAS University also claimed first prize in the AgriTech Solutions category, with the University of Lusaka taking second place. The hackathon grand finale attracted delegates, technology experts, institutional leaders and innovators who witnessed students pitch ideas designed to respond to challenges affecting communities and industries. Beyond competition, the hackathon highlighted the importance of critical thinking and innovation in preparing young people for an increasingly digital world. The initiative also reflects ZAMREN’s growing commitment towards creating platforms that empower students to experiment, innovate and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s digital transformation agenda.