UbuntuNet Alliance and MAREN are pleased to announce the Call for Abstracts for UbuntuNet-Connect 2026, the premier annual conference for research and education networking in Eastern and Southern Africa. This year’s conference will take place in Lilongwe, Malawi, hosted by the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN), bringing together thought leaders, network engineers, researchers, policymakers, and innovators from across the continent and beyond.
UbuntuNet-Connect continues to stand as a flagship event for the research and education community, a vibrant platform where ideas converge, collaborations are forged, and the future of digital infrastructure is shaped. The conference offers a unique opportunity for presenters to showcase cutting-edge work, share practical experiences, and contribute to advancing research and education networks (RENs) in Africa.
The Call for Abstracts will be open from 23rd March to 29th June 2026, and we warmly invite submissions from across the community.
Conference Theme, Subthemes, and Scope of Contributions
Shaping Digital Horizons
This theme reflects UbuntuNet Alliance’s vision of advancing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital infrastructure that underpins research, education, and innovation across Eastern and Southern Africa. It recognises connectivity as the foundation upon which future-ready research ecosystems, intelligent services, and cross-border collaboration are built. UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will explore how National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), partners, and policymakers can collectively shape digital futures that are secure, open, innovative, and responsive to regional priorities.
Submissions are invited under the following sub-themes:
- Research & Education Network Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Open Science
- Innovation, Partnerships & Service Evolution
- Diversity, Equity & Gender Inclusion
Authors are encouraged to submit abstracts presenting original research, case studies, technical innovations, policy insights, and practical experiences aligned with these areas.
A detailed description of the theme, sub-themes, and specific topics is available in the full Call for Abstracts document. We encourage all prospective authors to review it for comprehensive guidance before submitting.
Eligibility for Consideration
Submissions are welcome from all research and education practitioners, including:
- Researchers and academics
- Network engineers and technical specialists
- NREN practitioners
- Policy and regulatory stakeholders
- Librarians
While all eligible contributors are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to individuals who have not previously presented at UbuntuNet-Connect conferences, as part of our commitment to expanding participation and amplifying new voices.
Submission Guidelines
All abstracts must be submitted through the official conference events page:
https://event.ubuntunet.net/event/152/overview
Please note:
- No submissions will be accepted via email
- Abstracts must be a maximum of 650 words
- Authors may submit multiple abstracts; however, only one submission per author may be accepted
- UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will be a fully in-person event—there will be no virtual or hybrid presentation options
To support prospective authors, an information session will be held to provide insights into the submission process and answer questions:
- Date: Thursday, 26th March 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM CAT
- Registration: https://ubuntunet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9vaw5EQTQhagq1P9iNM66w
We encourage all interested participants to attend this session.
Funding and Support
Selected presenters will receive financial support to attend and present at the conference. This support is made possible through the EU-cofunded AfricaConnect 4 project under the Global Gateway initiative.
Due to funding conditions, this support is only available to presenters based in Africa and traveling to the conference from within Africa.
The support package includes:
- Return air ticket
- Shuttle transfers
- Accommodation
- Meals for the duration of the conference
Terms and Conditions for Funding and Support
To access this support, selected presenters must:
- Register for the conference at a discounted fee of USD 150
Failure to complete registration will result in ineligibility to receive funding and support.
Join Us and Shape DIgital Horizons
UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 promises to be an exciting and impactful gathering of the research and education networking community. We encourage you to submit your abstracts, share your work, and contribute to shaping Africa’s digital horizons.
To get a glimpse of what to expect, watch highlights from last year’s conference:
https://youtu.be/3jjaecIR_tw?si=lsFxI0b4h3yw6ja6
We look forward to your submissions and to welcoming you at UbuntuNet-Connect 2026.