The Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN), in partnership with the UbuntuNet Alliance, is pleased to announce UbuntuNet-Connect 2026, the 19th annual research and education networking conference for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The conference will take place 29–30 October 2026 in Lilongwe, Malawi, with MAREN hosting the regional research and education networking community.

UbuntuNet-Connect is the flagship annual conference of UbuntuNet Alliance and brings together network engineers, researchers, policymakers, university ICT leaders, librarians, and international partners to explore how advanced digital infrastructure can accelerate research, innovation, and collaboration across Africa.

As host of the 2026 edition, MAREN looks forward to welcoming participants from across the region and beyond to Malawi for two days of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership building focused on the future of research and education networking.

 

Introducing the 2026 Theme: Shaping Digital Futures

The theme “Shaping Digital Futures” reflects the growing role of digital connectivity as a foundational platform for research, education, and innovation.

Modern research environments increasingly depend on high-performance networks, advanced data platforms, trusted digital services, and collaborative ecosystems that span institutions and national borders. UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will explore how these elements come together to support resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital futures for research and education across Africa.

Through this theme, the conference will highlight how National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), universities, governments, and international partners can work together to develop the digital infrastructure required to support the region’s research ambitions and innovation priorities.

 

Key Focus Areas of UbuntuNet-Connect 2026

UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will explore several strategic focus areas reflecting emerging priorities in research and education networking across Africa:

Resilient Research and Education Networks
Ensuring national and regional research networks remain secure, reliable, and resilient in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats and operational challenges.

Advanced Network Infrastructure and Connectivity
Examining the next generation of high-performance network infrastructure required to support increasingly data-intensive research and global scientific collaboration.

AI-Ready Networks and Data Platforms
Exploring infrastructure and services that support artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and large-scale research data platforms.

Open Science and Research Infrastructure
Advancing open science through digital repositories, research data management systems, and collaborative knowledge-sharing platforms.

Sustainable and Green Digital Infrastructure
Promoting environmentally responsible and financially sustainable approaches to building and operating research and education digital infrastructure.

Policy, Regulation, and Digital Sovereignty
Understanding how national and regional policy frameworks influence digital infrastructure development, data governance, and cross-border collaboration.

Innovation, Partnerships, and Service Evolution
Highlighting how NRENs continue to evolve by delivering advanced digital services and fostering partnerships that support innovation across research and education communities.

 

What to Expect at UbuntuNet-Connect 2026

UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 is expected to bring together more than 250 participants from across Africa and beyond, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Participants can look forward to:

  • Engaging keynote presentations from global thought leaders
  • Insightful technical sessions and panel discussions
  • Opportunities to connect with NREN leaders, researchers, and technology partners
  • Showcases of regional and international initiatives supporting research and education
  • Networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and innovation

The conference will also form part of UbuntuNet Alliance’s 20-year milestone celebrations, marking two decades of advancing research and education networking across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Further details about UbuntuNet-Connect 2026—including registration, programme highlights, and speaker announcements—will be shared soon through the UbuntuNet Alliance website and official communication channels.