From the 9th of September to the 11th, MAREN’s Network and Infrastructure Manager (NIM), Alexius Chipalamwazani, and Projects and Partnerships Coordinator (PPC), Ulemu Maseko, attended the Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation 2025 BOLT and Resiliency Grantee Gathering in Nairobi, Kenya.

The convening brought together grantees from across the African region with the aim of strengthening collaboration on community-led connectivity and resilience. Key objectives included building capacity through workshops such as Theory of Change and Storytelling for Impact, showcasing innovative approaches to bridging connectivity gaps, and fostering cross-learning on sustainability, gender-sensitive programming, and scaling impact.

Since the commencement of the ISOC-funded project earlier this year, MAREN has recorded notable progress. The organisation has enhanced collaboration with national and regional stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions. Furthermore, MAREN has initiated discussions and frameworks for improving disaster-resilient connectivity in vulnerable areas.

 

According to Alexius, the gathering played a pivotal role in uniting project implementers from across Africa. It provided a platform to exchange experiences, address shared challenges, and develop innovative solutions that will strengthen the outcomes of ISOC-funded initiatives on the continent.

The event also provided MAREN with the opportunity to engage with peer organisations such as the Zimbabwe Chapter, ElleSolaire, Unconnected.org, Close the Gap Kenya, Media Matters for Women, WOUGNET, The Mawingu Foundation, iNethi NPC, KENET, NetHope Inc., BOSCO-U, and RENU. Reflecting on the way forward, Ulemu observed that “MAREN’s priority is to consolidate its achievements, deepen partnerships across the region, and align with ISOC’s evolving priorities in order to expand its impact and sustainability.”

The Nairobi meeting thus served as a platform to align regional efforts, enhance the technical and strategic capacities of grantees, and prepare organisations for the next phase of ISOC programming. The achievements realised through this project have positioned MAREN as a key stakeholder in Malawi’s digital transformation, complementing national development strategies and advancing ISOC’s vision of an inclusive, community-led internet.