The closing ceremony of UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) delivered one of the most anticipated moments of the event: the official announcement of the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) as the host of UbuntuNet-Connect 2026. The announcement was met with applause and excitement from delegates representing research and education communities across Africa and beyond.
Marking the transition, the conference featured a symbolic “passing of the torch” ceremony, where Mrs. Mirriam Chahuruva, CEO of ZIMREN (the host NREN for the 2025 edition) handed over the mantle to Mr. Solomon Dindi, CEO of MAREN. The gesture represented continuity, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of advancing Africa’s research and education networking ecosystem.
UbuntuNet-Connect, the annual flagship conference of the UbuntuNet Alliance, rotates across member NRENs and has grown into one of the most influential convenings of researchers, innovators, policy makers, and technical experts in the region. With each host NREN adding its unique cultural and national identity, the conference has become both a platform for knowledge exchange and a celebration of continental collaboration.
MAREN’s selection as the next host underscores Malawi’s increasing engagement in digital transformation and investment in strengthening academic and research connectivity. The organization has been a long-standing member of the UbuntuNet Alliance and has played a pivotal role in advancing connectivity for universities, research institutions, and government agencies in Malawi.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Solomon Dindi expressed gratitude to the UbuntuNet Alliance community and extended an open invitation to all NRENs, partners, and stakeholders to convene in Malawi in 2026. He emphasized MAREN’s commitment to delivering an engaging and impactful conference that builds on the legacy of previous hosts.
Details about UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will be announced in the coming months, including dates, venue, and the conference theme. For now, the spotlight turns to Malawi, which prepares to welcome the continent for yet another milestone gathering of Africa’s research and education community.