UbuntuNet Alliance is delighted to announce that the 18th UbuntuNet-Connect conference will be hosted by the Zimbabwe Research and Education Network (ZIMREN) in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe on 30th and 31st October 2025. This highly anticipated event promises to be another milestone in the journey of regional research and education networking.
Following the great success of previous UbuntuNet-Connect conferences, the Alliance is committed to delivering an even bigger and more engaging conference in 2025. UbuntuNet-Connect has grown to become one of the region’s premier events for networking professionals, researchers, and policymakers, with its impactful and diverse program drawing participants from across the globe.
ZIMREN’s CEO expressed her excitement about hosting the conference saying:
“Hosting UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 is a tremendous honour for ZIMREN. This conference offers us a unique opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing research and education networking across the region while fostering collaboration with our peers. We are excited to welcome the UbuntuNet Alliance community to our home and are motivated by the chance to demonstrate how our initiatives are contributing to transformative digital solutions for academia and beyond. We look forward to making this a landmark event together.” – Mrs. Mirriam Chahuruva, CEO of ZIMREN
UbuntuNet Alliance CEO, equally enthusiastic about this development, shared:
“We are grateful to ZIMREN for stepping up to host UbuntuNet-Connect 2025. This marks an exciting milestone as we bring the conference to Zimbabwe, building on the successes of past gatherings. ZIMREN’s commitment to advancing research and education resonates with the spirit of UbuntuNet-Connect, and we are thrilled to partner with them in delivering a conference that will inspire collaboration, innovation, and progress across the region. Together, we will create an unforgettable experience for all participants.” – Prof. Madara Ogot, CEO of UbuntuNet Alliance
This year’s UbuntuNet-Connect will feature a program packed with impactful and relevant presentations, dynamic discussions, and valuable networking opportunities for the research and education networking community. The event will provide a platform for researchers, academics, network engineers, policymakers, and service providers to share their experiences, explore solutions, and shape the future of connectivity for research and education in Africa.
Look forward to:
- Insightful keynotes and panel discussions from leading experts.
- Technical sessions and workshops designed to address real-world challenges.
- Networking opportunities with peers and stakeholders from across the globe.
- A vibrant exhibition allowing service providers to interact with the research and education community.
- The unique chance to explore Harare’s culture and hospitality.
Important Dates
To help participants prepare for the conference, the following key dates should be noted:
- 3rd March 2025: Call for abstracts opens
- 30th June 2025: Call for abstracts closes
- 2nd June 2025: Early bird registration opens
- 31st August 2025: Early bird registration closes
- 1st – 30th September 2025: Normal registration
The UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 conference is shaping up to be another conference to remember and the UbuntuNet Alliance encourages all stakeholders in the research and education networking community to mark their calendars and start planning to attend.
Stay tuned for further updates and announcements by visiting the UbuntuNet Alliance website and following our social media platforms (X and LinkedIn). We look forward to seeing you in Harare this October!