RwedNet Roars Back to Life

On July 1, 2024, the Rwanda Education Network (RwedNet) took its rightful place as the National Research and Education Network of Rwanda after a six-year rebuilding period. A founder member of UbuntuNet Alliance since 2005, RwedNet collapsed as an NREN in 2018. Since then, the Alliance has been supporting the Rwanda Ministry of Education’s rebuilding of RwedNet including the rollout of an ambitious plan to connect all universities and schools in the country on a new RwedNet network.

By July 31, over 1,000 sites had been connected to the RwedNet network, with a target of 1,500 by the end of August. At each school site, at least four access points have been installed that connect students’ laboratories, staff rooms, and administrators’ offices. The student laboratories are also equipped with tablets, addressing the common challenge presented by lack of devices.

The revitalised RwedNet operates as a unit within the Ministry of Education ensuring government support and funding. As more sites are connected to the network, RwedNet cements itself as a key partner in support of the Government of Rwanda’s ICT Strategic Plan 2018-2024 which recognises three critical enablers for digital transformation: smart governance, ICT capacity development, and building intelligent and shared infrastructure.

RwedNet connects to the UbuntuNet Network at 10 Gbps and is expected to double the capacity in the coming months as more sites are connected to their network.

Feature Image: Photo by Claude Nizeyimana, Final year Rwanda students defending their research projects.