The UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 conference brought together thought leaders, educators, researchers, and innovators from across Africa and beyond to explore cutting-edge technologies, exchange knowledge, and strengthen the future of research and education networking. This year, the much-anticipated event took place from October 31 to November 1 at the beautiful White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, hosted by the Tanzania Education and Research Network (TERNET). Centered around the theme “Maximizing Technological Advancements for Research and Education,” the conference served as a platform for advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure and enhancing collaboration across the continent’s research and education community.
UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 was packed with a dynamic agenda that provided deep insights into current trends and future directions in technology and academia. Over two days, participants had the opportunity to attend seven keynote presentations from esteemed thought leaders, 37 insightful talks by experts, and one interactive panel discussion. Each session highlighted different aspects of technological advancement and innovation, with a strong emphasis on how research and education can leverage digital tools to improve knowledge dissemination and address societal challenges.
A significant moment in the conference was a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Boubakar Barry, former CEO of the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN). UbuntuNet Alliance honored Dr. Barry’s exceptional contributions to the African research and education community, commemorating his work and dedication to building digital infrastructures that have connected and empowered countless institutions across the continent. His legacy resonated throughout the event, reminding attendees of the impact that visionary leaders can have on Africa’s journey toward digital prosperity.
Another memorable moment at UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 was the final keynote delivered by Erik Huizer, the outgoing CEO of GÉANT, marking the culmination of his impactful career before his retirement. As a champion of research and education in Africa, Huizer has been instrumental in fostering international collaboration and supporting initiatives that have expanded digital access across the continent. Under his leadership, GÉANT has contributed significantly to the growth and advancement of Africa’s National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), helping build a stronger foundation for research, innovation, and knowledge sharing. His unwavering dedication to Africa’s digital transformation and progress has left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless researchers, educators, and leaders.
The success of UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 was made possible through the generous support of industry partners and member NRENs. UbuntuNet Alliance extends its gratitude to the following partners who sponsored and supported the event: AWS, Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Bandwidth Cloud Services (BCS), PATIO, Zendy, Crossref, Core2Africa, RDCT, and the Center for Open Science. The event also received direct support from UbuntuNet Alliance’s member NRENs, who played a pivotal role in the conference’s success. Special thanks go to BERNET (Burundi), ZAMREN (Zambia), KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), and iRENALA (Madagascar) for their invaluable contributions.
The conference brought together a diverse group of 232 registered participants, with a commendable gender balance of 97 women and 130 men. The high level of attendance underscored the growing interest in collaborative research and education initiatives across Africa. UbuntuNet-Connect saw an impressive turnout, with 207 attendees on the first day and 204 on the second day, engaging in discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing that reflected the vibrancy and unity of the community.
With exciting new partnerships and a shared vision for the future, UbuntuNet Alliance looks forward to another year of progress. We remain committed to enhancing technological access and fostering collaborative solutions that will transform research, education, and innovation across the continent. Thank you to everyone who helped make UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 a memorable and impactful event. We eagerly anticipate UbuntuNet-Connect 2025, where the spirit of progress and collaboration will continue to drive Africa’s digital journey forward. The recap video is available here, and the conference presentations are available here!