UbuntuNet Alliance for Research and Education Networking is pleased to announce that UbuntuNet-Connect 2017, the tenth edition of its series of annual networking conferences will be held on 2-3 November 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will be hosted by the Ethiopian Education and Research Network, EthERNet.
The conference will be held under the theme: ‘Enabling Intra-African Collaboration in Research and Education.”
UbuntuNet Alliance CEO Dr. Pascal Hoba first made the announcement at the end of the 11th UbuntuNet Alliance Annual General Meeting of Members held in Livingstone, Zambia on 21st April 2017.
Dr. Hoba said EthERNet emerged a successful bidder this year after showing great interest to host the conference last year before the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) was chosen to host the conference.
“The Alliance is impressed by the progress that Ethiopia and EthERNet are making in relation to research and education networking in the country. Even though EthERNet is yet to connect to the UbuntuNet network there are several encouraging signs that the NREN will be connected under the AfricaConnect2 project which we are currently implementing. Bringing the conference to Ethiopia will spearhead this process as this will enhance the visibility of the NREN to relevant partners and stakeholders in the country,” says Dr. Hoba.
Dr. Hoba also said holding the conference in Addis Ababa, which is the headquarters of the African Union gives the Alliance a chance to engage the continental body on issues related to research and education networking.
EthERNet CEO, Zalalem Assefa says the NREN is honored to be chosen as host of the conference this year and promised to work together with the Alliance to ensure that the conference is a success.