UbuntuNet Alliance and MAREN are pleased to announce the theme for UbuntuNet-Connect 2026, the 19th annual research and education networking conference for Eastern and Southern Africa. The conference will be held 29–30 October 2026 in Lilongwe, Malawi, hosted in collaboration with the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN).
Each year, UbuntuNet-Connect brings together the region’s research and education community—network engineers, researchers, policy leaders, university ICT practitioners, and international partners—to exchange ideas and explore how digital infrastructure can advance knowledge, innovation, and collaboration across Africa.
Introducing the 2026 Theme: Shaping Digital Horizons
The theme Shaping Digital Horizons reflects UbuntuNet Alliance’s vision of advancing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital infrastructure that underpins research, education, and innovation across Eastern and Southern Africa. The theme recognizes that connectivity is a 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), universities, governments, and international partners can work together to develop digital infrastructure that supports the region’s research ambitions and innovation priorities.
Key Focus Areas of UbuntuNet-Connect 2026
The conference will explore several important focus areas reflecting emerging priorities for research and education networking across the region:
Research & Education Network Infrastructure
Exploring the design, deployment, and evolution of high-performance research and education network infrastructure that enables advanced research collaboration, learning, and regional connectivity.
Cybersecurity
Addressing the growing need to protect research and education infrastructure from cyber threats while ensuring trusted environments for collaboration, data exchange, and learning.
Artificial Intelligence
Examining how artificial intelligence is transforming research, education, and digital infrastructure, including both the infrastructure required to support AI and its application in research and learning environments.
Open Science
Advancing open, collaborative, and reproducible research through digital infrastructure, shared platforms, and open knowledge systems.
Innovation, Partnerships & Service Evolution
Highlighting how NRENs are evolving beyond connectivity providers to become platforms for innovation, collaboration, and advanced digital services.
Diversity, Equity & Gender Inclusion
Promoting inclusive participation and leadership within the research and education ecosystem, with particular emphasis on increasing the participation of women in technology fields.
What to Expect at UbuntuNet-Connect 2026
UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 is expected to convene over 250 participants from across Africa and beyond, bringing together a diverse community of experts and stakeholders.
Participants can look forward to:
- Engaging keynote presentations from global thought leaders
- Insightful technical sessions and panel discussions
- Opportunities to connect with NREN leaders, researchers, and technology partners
- Showcases of regional and international initiatives supporting research and education
- Networking opportunities that foster collaboration and innovation
The conference will also be particularly significant as it forms part of UbuntuNet Alliance’s 20-year milestone celebrations, marking two decades of advancing research and education networking across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Important dates and Information
- Call for abstracts and presentation proposals: 16th March 2026 – 29 June 2026
- Early bird registration: 1st June 2026 – 31st August 2026
- Normal registration: 1st – 30th September 2026
- More information: https://ubuntunet.net/uc2026/