October 30-31, Harare, Zimbabwe
Theme: Resilient and Sustainable Research and Education Networks for the Future
UbuntuNet Alliance promotes research and education networking in East and Southern Africa. Research and education networks (RENs) must be built to withstand emerging challenges while ensuring long-term sustainability. This theme explores strategies for strengthening the resilience of RENs through robust cybersecurity measures, advanced connectivity solutions, and innovative policy frameworks. It also highlights the need for inclusive and equitable access to digital resources, environmentally sustainable networking practices, and cross-border collaborations that drive global research excellence. By addressing key issues such as high-performance computing, open science, disaster recovery, and financial sustainability, this conference aims to shape the future of RENs. Keynote presentations, panel discussions, and paper presentations that address topics and anchor discussions on the conference theme are invited.
Sub-Themes
Network Resilience and Cybersecurity: Strategies for building robust network infrastructures, mitigating cyber threats, and enhancing data protection. Discussions will focus on best practices in network monitoring, identity and access management, and policies for safeguarding sensitive research data.
High-Performance Computing and Cloud for Research & Education: The role of HPC in research, the benefits of cloud infrastructure, and strategies for making these technologies accessible to institutions with limited resources. Discussions will focus on AI, machine learning, and big data analytics innovations.
Open Science and Educational Resources: Frameworks for sharing research outputs, implementing FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles, and creating open-access digital repositories.
The Future of Internet Connectivity for Research and Education: Emerging technologies such as 5G, Starlink, and IPv6 are shaping the next generation of research and education networks. Discussions will also include strategies for expanding connectivity to underserved institutions, improving network performance, and fostering global collaboration through enhanced internet infrastructure.
Policy and Governance for Sustainable Research & Education Networks: Policy approaches that support equitable access, cybersecurity, data protection, and funding for RENs. Discussions to include the role of government support and private sector partnerships in shaping policies that enhance research collaboration and digital education.
Green and Sustainable Networks: Discussions will highlight innovations in green computing and sustainable ICT practices that contribute to environmentally responsible RENs.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity for RENs: Best practices in disaster recovery planning, redundancy strategies, and business continuity frameworks that ensure RENs can quickly recover from disruptions. Institutions will share insights on building resilient systems that protect data integrity and maintain seamless operations during crises.
Monetization and Sustainability of Research & Education Networks: various approaches to monetizing REN services, such as offering value-added services, forming public-private partnerships, and diversifying funding sources. Discussions will focus on balancing affordability with sustainability, reducing dependency on donor funding, and fostering financial resilience in research and education networks.
Who Should Attend/Why should you attend?
- College and University ICT Directors (or equivalent) and Librarians – Opportunity to present on the extent of digitalisation in your institution, learn from others, gather information and hold discussions on challenges faced, potential digital solutions, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Researchers, academics, and students – Share how you use digital technologies and the UbuntuNet Alliance/NREN research and education network to support your research, teaching and learning in future directions. Provides opportunities to learn and form new collaborations across the continent.
- Government officers (related to ICT and Education): Learn about your government’s current and future policies, actions, and plans to stimulate the redesign of digitalised African universities. This will allow you to learn from what is happening in other countries.
- Private/Industry – Present case studies on emerging digital technologies supporting the digitalised African University. You have the opportunity to learn and discuss the challenges universities face, present solutions, and seek potential business.
- NREN Community: This is an opportunity to listen to the customer’s voice and learn where the services offered by NRENs can be a catalyst and anchor of the redesigned digital college and university.
Timelines
- March 10 – Call for papers presentations opens.
- June 30 – Deadline to submit paper proposals
- October 30-31, UbuntuNet-Connect 2025.
Sponsorship
UbuntuNet Connect 2025 presents a rare opportunity for companies and organisations with a national, regional or global footprint to meet Africa’s research and education networking community and market their products and services.
Reasons to Sponsor
- Thought Leadership – Position your products, services, and executives as key players in the research and education community.
- Networking – Gain face-to-face access and direct contact with typically hard-to-reach decision-makers and the education community.
- Branding – The sponsorship will give your company or organisation the visibility it needs in the African research and education community.
Conference Venue
The Rainbow Towers Hotel & International Conference Centre is an international convention centre with unequalled conferencing capacity. It is the venue of choice in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. The 19 conference rooms range from small to medium to large. The centre is located on the fringe of the vibrant city centre, 12 km from the airport, and is surrounded by spacious landscaped gardens.
Key Links
- More information on Toursit Activities: Zimbabwe Tourism Board
- Visa Information: Visa applicants are advised to apply through the official Zimbabwe e-Visa platform.
- Health: More information can be found on the Zimbabwe Tourism Board Webpage on Health.
Scenes from UbuntuNet Connect 2024
Co-Funded by
