ICTAZ Visits ZAMREN House to Explore Strategic Partnership in Technology & Capacity Building
Lusaka, 14th February, 2025 – ZAMREN recently welcomed a delegation from the Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) at the ZAMREN House, to discuss potential partnerships aimed at advancing ICT skills, capacity building, and mentorship for students and ICT professionals. The delegation, led by ICTAZ President Dr. Clement Sinyangwe, was joined by key members of the association and some students from Chalimbana University (CHAU). The visit provided an opportunity to explore collaborative initiatives, including support for ZAMREN’s upcoming Hackathon, which aims to promote innovation and creativity within Zambia’s ICT community. Dr. Sinyangwe highlighted the value of working together with ZAMREN, noting the importance of such partnerships in enhancing Zambia’s digital landscape. “ZAMREN, as a key player on Zambia’s ICT landscape, is doing well with the roll-out of high-speed internet services such as Eduroam for their member institutions,” he said. “ICTAZ, being a professional body, recognizes the opportunity to work together in championing a secure and innovative digital space.” ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, welcomed the idea of collaboration and emphasized how it could contribute to the growth of Zambia’s ICT sector. “ZAMREN will work closely with ICTAZ to create opportunities that will transform the ICT sector in Zambia,” Mr. Mkandawire stated. “Through training, mentorship, and technical support, we can empower students and professionals to thrive in the evolving ICT sector.” The ICTAZ team also took time to tour ZAMREN House and familiarize themselves with the organization’s infrastructure. They were impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities that support knowledge-sharing within Zambia’s research and education communities. This visit marks the beginning of a promising collaboration between ZAMREN and ICTAZ. Both organizations are committed to driving Zambia’s ICT sector forward, with a focus on fostering innovation, mentorship, and capacity building across the country. With initiatives such as the upcoming Hackathon, ZAMREN and ICTAZ are set to create valuable opportunities for Zambia’s next generation of digital leaders.
ZAMREN Strengthens Regional Ties with High-Level Courtesy Calls
As part of its commitment to fostering international collaboration in research and education, ZAMREN hosted an Angolan delegation and representatives from the UbuntuNet Alliance for benchmarking Zambia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). This visit included high-level engagements with key government officials to explore opportunities for digital transformation in education and research. During a courtesy call on Hon. Douglas Syakalima, Minister of Education, discussions centered on the role of innovation in advancing research and learning. The Minister emphasized the importance of African nations working together to drive digital transformation across the continent. In a separate engagement, the delegation met with Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, who highlighted the transformative power of technology. “Technology is the bridge that connects knowledge to opportunity,” he stated, underscoring the potential of digital advancements in revolutionizing education and research. These discussions represent a major milestone in enhancing regional collaboration on the continent.
ZAMREN Leads the Way: Partnering with Angola to Build a National Research Network
On January 27th and 28th, 2025, the Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) hosted a delegation from Angola, along with representatives from the UbuntuNet Alliance, at the ZAMREN House in Lusaka. The visit aimed to facilitate benchmarking efforts by the Angolan delegation as Angola seeks to establish its own National Research and Education Network (NREN) called ANGOREN. The delegation, led by Ms. Elizabeth Sapalalo from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Angola, expressed gratitude to ZAMREN for the valuable insights and best practices shared during the visit. “The insights gained from ZAMREN’s experience will serve as a guiding light as we embark on the journey to establish our own NREN,’’ Ms. Sapalalo said. In his remarks, ZAMREN Board Chairperson, Prof. Mundia Muya, emphasized ZAMREN’s pivotal role in advancing education and research through technological innovation and collaboration. “ZAMREN is proud to be a leading example of how an NREN can transform research and education. Our network connects 166 institutions, including universities, research centers, and schools, providing them with reliable, high-speed internet to foster innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. We are honored to share our journey and experience with our Angolan colleagues as they take steps to develop their own NREN,” he said. ZAMREN CEO, Mr. Stein Mkandawire, provided an overview of ZAMREN’s establishment, operations and impact. He detailed the strategic partnerships and technological infrastructure that have enabled ZAMREN to deliver exceptional services to its member institutions. Mr. Mkandawire also underscored the network’s role in facilitating collaborative research and e-learning opportunities across Zambia and beyond. Meanwhile, UbuntuNet Alliance through the Board Chairperson, Prof. Hellicy N’gambi and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Madara Ogot, commended ZAMREN for its leadership and encouraged Angola to leverage the collective expertise within the UbuntuNet Alliance to build a robust NREN tailored to their national needs. By hosting the Angolan and UbuntuNet Alliance delegations, ZAMREN reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional partnerships and advancing the role of technology in education and research.
ZAMREN and SMART Zambia Sign MoU to Drive Digital Transformation
Lusaka, 6th February 2025 – The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) and SMART Zambia Institute have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation in Zambia. This agreement lays the groundwork for collaboration in research, digital infrastructure development, capacity building, innovation, and digital literacy to strengthen the country’s technological landscape. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, ZAMREN Board Chairperson, Professor Mundia Muya, emphasized the critical role of technology in Zambia’s socio-economic development. “Digital transformation is no longer an option; it is a necessity,” he stated. He further stressed the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, academia, and industry to address the nation’s digital challenges effectively. On his part, SMART Zambia Institute, National Coordinator, Mr. Percy Chinyama, assured that the MoU will have tangible outcomes. “Equality in the digital space can only be achieved if we work together and bridge the digital divide,” he said. This landmark partnership signals a significant step toward a digitally inclusive Zambia, fostering innovation, supporting e-learning, and fortifying the country’s digital backbone.
ZAMREN BREAKFAST MEETING HIGHLIGHTS. 19/09/2024
The Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Mutati continues to commend Zambia Research and Education Network-ZAMREN- for providing internet services to over 150 Research and Education institutions to enhance e-learning country-wide. ZAMREN on the 19th of September 2024 proposed a transformative partnership aimed at bridging the Education gap in Zambia through the use of Technology. Read more….
The Minister of Technology and Science Honourable Felix Mutati visits The Zamren House
On 4th September 2024, Honourable Felix Mutati, Minister of Science and Technology, visited the Zamren House in Lusaka. He commended Zamren for connecting over 150 higher learning institutions across the country to high-speed internet and announced Google’s readiness to partner in creating an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at the ZAMREN house within the University of Zambia. Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) has been known to be a Specialized Internet service provider to the Research and Educational institutions in the country has marked a significant step forward in advancing research and Education infrastructure in Zambia.
