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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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