UbuntuNet Alliance is pleased to announce the official Call for Partnerships and Sponsorships for the UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 (UC2026) conference, the 19th annual annual gathering for research and education networking in Eastern and Southern Africa. UbuntuNet-Connect is the flagship conference of UbuntuNet Alliance, bringing together over 200 practitioners, decision-makers, researchers, and technology leaders from across the global research and education community. The conference provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcasing innovations that advance research and education networking. UC2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for organizations to engage directly with key stakeholders, demonstrate solutions, and build strategic partnerships within a rapidly growing and impactful community. Learn more about the conference here: https://ubuntunet.net/uc2026/
Year Round UbuntuNet Alliance Partnership Programme
The UbuntuNet Alliance Partnership Programme is a structured, year-long engagement framework designed to create mutually beneficial collaborations between the UbuntuNet Alliance community and partner organizations. As the Regional Research and Education Network (RREN) for Eastern and Southern Africa, UbuntuNet Alliance connects 17 member NRENs, serving over 2,000 institutions and more than 2 million users. This reach provides partners with a powerful channel to:
- Increase visibility across the research and education sector
- Promote products and services to targeted audiences
- Engage directly with institutional decision-makers
- Strengthen presence in a growing regional digital ecosystem
The programme integrates multiple engagement channels throughout the year, including the UbuntuNet-Connect conference, capacity-building events, webinars, newsletters, and social media platforms.
Partnership Opportunities for UC2026
Organizations are invited to participate through a range of partnership tiers tailored to different levels of engagement and visibility. These include:
- Diamond Partnership – Premium visibility, speaking opportunities, exhibition space, and extensive branding
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze Partnerships – Scalable options offering presentation slots, conference presence, branding, and engagement opportunities
- Amber Partnership – Entry-level support with recognition and visibility
- Exhibition Opportunities – Dedicated exhibition spaces for showcasing products and services to a highly relevant audience
Each tier is designed to maximize partner exposure and facilitate meaningful interactions with the research and education community.
We invite interested organizations to explore the full details of the partnership offerings and identify the package that best aligns with their strategic objectives.
Why Partner with UbuntuNet-Connect 2026?
Partnering with UC2026 positions your organization at the heart of a dynamic and influential network. It is an opportunity to:
- Connect with regional and international leaders in research and education
- Showcase innovation to a targeted and engaged audience
- Build long-term collaborations within the UbuntuNet Alliance ecosystem
- Contribute to the advancement of digital infrastructure and services in Africa