Prof. Mundia Muya Elected to UbuntuNet Alliance Board of Trustees
Lusaka, 12th May 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) is proud to share the exciting news of the election of its Board Chairperson, Professor Mundia Muya, to the Board of Trustees of the UbuntuNet Alliance. The election was held during the Alliance’s Annual General Meeting hosted at ZAMREN House in Lusaka, drawing delegates from 16 member countries across Eastern and Southern Africa.Professor Muya, who also serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia, is a distinguished civil engineer with a career spanning over 30 years. His election is not only a personal achievement but a proud moment for Zambia, representing a significant step forward in the country’s leadership role in advancing digital transformation for education and research on the continent.The UbuntuNet Alliance Board of Trustees plays a critical role in guiding the strategic direction, policy framework, and sustainability of research and education networks (NRENs) in the region. Prof. Muya’s inclusion on the Board signals confidence in Zambia’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to this mission.“Prof. Muya is not only an engineering giant but also a visionary leader whose passion for collaboration and academic excellence resonates across the region,” said ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Mkandawire. “His presence on the UbuntuNet Alliance Board brings a wealth of knowledge and a deeply rooted commitment to advancing digital connectivity for research and education in Africa. We are proud to see Zambia represented by such a distinguished figure.”Prof. Muya holds a PhD in Construction Management and an MSc in Construction from Loughborough University (UK), as well as a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Zambia. He is widely respected for his work in academia, engineering governance, and infrastructure development across Zambia and the region.In his new role, Prof. Muya will support the Alliance in delivering affordable broadband, developing capacity, and enhancing collaboration among research and education institutions across member countries.This appointment marks a major milestone for Zambia’s growing footprint in regional education and research innovation. ZAMREN celebrates this achievement and looks forward to the transformative impact Prof. Muya will make in his new role.
Minister of Education Commends ZAMREN for Championing Innovation and Digital Expansion in the Education Sector
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.
ZAMREN Hosts World Bank Delegation Under IDEA Project
Lusaka, Zambia The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) hosted a delegation from the World Bank at the ZAMREN House in Lusaka. The visiting team is part of the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) project, an ambitious regional initiative aimed at accelerating digital development and inclusion across the continent.The visit forms part of the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), which is the second phase of the broader IDEA programme. The World Bank team’s stop at the ZAMREN House was designed to give them a firsthand appreciation of the work ZAMREN is doing to support Zambia’s digital transformation journey, particularly within the research and education sector.Leading the delegation was ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, who facilitated an engaging discussion and guided the visitors on a comprehensive tour of ZAMREN’s facilities. The CEO showcased ZAMREN’s range of services, from affordable broadband connectivity and secure data hosting to identity federation and advanced digital platforms tailored for research and academic institutions.Mr. Mkandawire emphasized that ZAMREN’s strategic mandate goes beyond just internet provision; it is about enabling innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment among Zambia’s research and education communities. “ZAMREN is not just a network; it is an enabler of research, learning, and progress. Our mission aligns squarely with the pillars of the IDEA project especially in fostering digital infrastructure, digital public platforms, and digital skills,” he said.The World Bank team expressed appreciation for the robust role ZAMREN is playing in bridging the digital divide and advancing the country’s knowledge economy. They commended ZAMREN’s contribution toward enhancing digital resilience and building a digital foundation that supports inclusive growth.Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, the delegation gained deeper insights into how ZAMREN supports universities, research institutions, colleges, and schools, bringing them onto a shared, high-performance digital backbone that enables access to global resources and collaboration with peers across borders.As Zambia accelerates its digital transformation under the DZAP, ZAMREN stands out as a critical stakeholder and trusted partner in realizing national and regional digital goals.The visit reaffirms the importance of partnerships and institutional capacity-building in unlocking Africa’s digital future, especially in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
ZAMREN Engages at 2025 ZIPRC AGM and Conference: Strategic Communication in the AI Era
ZAMREN was pleased to be part of the 2025 Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in Livingstone. This year’s theme, “Strategic Communication and AI: Collaborate, Innovate and Thrive,” underscored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern communication and public relations practice. The event was officially opened by the Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom. He emphasized that while the government has no intention of restricting media operations, practitioners must uphold ethical and professional standards to counter misinformation. As Zambia’s National Research and Education Network, ZAMREN remains dedicated to enhancing digital connectivity and innovative solutions for institutions of learning and research. Our participation in the conference reinforced our commitment to foster collaboration, driving digital transformation and ensuring effective communication strategies drive progress for all our stakeholders. ZIPRC President, Irene Chipili, highlighted the institute’s role in supporting both public and private organizations to standardize the practice of public relations and communication. She acknowledged that collaboration between key stakeholders, including institutions like ZAMREN, is essential in advancing Zambia’s communication landscape. Meanwhile, Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) Vice President, Prof. Michelle Mekeme, stressed the pressing challenge of misinformation, urging public relations professionals to take an active role in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and credible information. ZAMREN’s engagement at the ZIPRC AGM and Conference provided a platform to network and share insights on industry best practices within the public relations and communication space. The conference highlighted ZAMREN’s commitment to leveraging technology for effective communication strategies, empowering its member institutions and stakeholders to adapt to the dynamic digital environment. ZAMREN looks forward to continued collaboration with ZIPRC and other partners in advancing strategic communication for national development.
ZAMREN Honours Young Professionals and Empowers Youth Through Technology
Lusaka, March 12, 2025 – As Zambia marked National Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Voices Amplified, Innovations Ignited,” the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) took the opportunity to celebrate its young professionals and highlight their contribution to youth empowerment across the country. ZAMREN, known for its role in advancing education and research through digital connectivity, is actively supporting young people by providing access to technology, learning platforms and innovation spaces. Against this backdrop, ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to nurturing young talent. “At ZAMREN, we believe that empowering young people with the right tools and opportunities is key to national development. Our services, such as eduroam, Moodle and our internship programmes, provide students and young professionals with the digital resources they need to gain knowledge and practical experience,” said Mr. Mkandawire. Through eduroam, students and researchers across Zambia enjoy seamless and secure internet access at universities and research institutions, enabling them to connect to academic resources and collaborate globally. Moodle, an online learning platform, has also transformed education by allowing students to access course materials, submit assignments, and engage in virtual learning experiences from anywhere. ZAMREN is also making a direct impact by offering internship programmes that equip students and graduates with hands-on experience in ICT and other fields. These internships not only provide valuable skills but also open doors to career opportunities. Beyond connectivity and learning, ZAMREN has taken a bold step in fueling youth-led innovations through its Innovation Hub. This space provides young minds with an environment where they can develop and refine their ideas, collaborate with experts, and bring their innovations to life. By supporting creativity and technological advancements, ZAMREN is helping to shape Zambia’s next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
ZAMREN Champions Digital Empowerment for Women at 2025 International Women’s Day
Lusaka, March 8, 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) proudly joined the nation and global community in commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The celebrations, held at the Lusaka Showgrounds, were graced by Republican Vice President, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women across various sectors. In her address, Vice President Nalumango emphasized that the new dawn administration attaches great importance to the welfare of women, as reflected in the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP). She highlighted key initiatives such as the revised National Gender Policy, which aims to enhance women’s participation in decision-making, economic opportunities and access to education and technology. She further urged women to remain united and continue advocating for equal representation in all spheres of society. As a key player in Zambia’s research and education ecosystem, ZAMREN is dedicated to supporting women’s empowerment through various initiatives. The organization actively promotes the inclusion of women in technology spaceby facilitating access to digital resources, online learning platforms, and high-speed internet connectivity for academic and research institutions. Furthermore, ZAMREN supports capacity-building programs tailored for female students and professionals in the ICT and research sectors, ensuring they have the necessary skills and opportunities to excel in their careers. By fostering digital inclusion, ZAMREN continues to contribute to narrowing the gender gap in technology and education, aligning with the broader national and global agenda for gender equality. Internally, ZAMREN has created a work environment that promotes gender equality and career growth for its female employees. The organization ensures that women in its workforce have equal opportunities for professional development, leadership roles and continuous learning. Through mentorship programs, capacity-building workshops and workplace policies that support work-life balance, ZAMREN is actively fostering a culture where women can thrive.
