UbuntuNet Alliance visited the Somalia Research and Education Network (SomaliREN) on 15 October 2026 as part of its ongoing engagement with member National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). The visit provided an opportunity for direct dialogue, reinforcing the importance of maintaining open communication between the Alliance and its members to better understand their priorities, aspirations and evolving needs.
The engagement followed the Open Repositories Training for Librarians, held in Somalia from 12 to 14 October 2026. The training brought together 35 librarians from across the country, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills to build, manage and sustain open institutional repositories. These repositories support institutions in preserving their scholarly outputs and making research more accessible to wider audiences.
Discussions during the visit centred on SomaliREN’s vision for its research and education community network and the pivotal role UbuntuNet Alliance plays in supporting that vision. The exchange provided space to explore how regional collaboration can support national ambitions and how the Alliance’s engagement can remain responsive to the needs of SomaliREN and the institutions it serves.
Visits of this nature are an important channel for maintaining dialogue between UbuntuNet Alliance and its member NRENs. They create opportunities to share perspectives, discuss priorities and strengthen mutual understanding beyond day-to-day operational exchanges. This engagement helps ensure that the relationship continues to be informed by the experiences and ambitions of each member’s research and education community.
The SomaliREN visit brought together two complementary aspects of the Alliance’s work: building capacity within member communities and sustaining close relationships with the NRENs that serve them. Following the librarians’ training with direct institutional engagement underscored the value of connecting practical support with ongoing dialogue to advance research and education in the region.