The Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) made a strong impression at the UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe, held from the 30th to the 31st of October. Four MAREN staff namely Joyce Mtawali, Joana Mhone (outgoing), Yankho Kamtukulo (outgoing), and Grace Gausi, showcased innovative research and projects, with Yankho and Joana’s project earning second place in the Women Hackathon, marking a proud moment for Malawi.

The conference, themed “Resilient and Sustainable Research and Education Networks for the Future,” brought together researchers, educators, policymakers, and networks from across Africa and beyond to discuss solutions for stronger, more sustainable research and education systems.

Joyce Mtawali, MAREN’s Systems Engineer, presented her paper on measuring how prepared research and education networks in Sub-Saharan Africa are for disasters. She highlighted that global models alone don’t reflect local realities.

“This framework shows the strength of local innovation and the urgent need for resilience planning,” said Joyce.

Joyce (right) during the conference

Grace Gausi, also a Systems Engineer, explored how better management of research data can support scientific discoveries using Artificial Intelligence (AI). She explained that data, often seen as a background process, is central to innovation.

“Sharing Malawi’s perspective portrayed how local efforts are part of a bigger continental movement toward AI-enabled research,” Grace reflected.

Grace presenting her paper during the conference

Marking the spotlight of the conference, former MAREN Cybersecurity Engineers Yankho Kamtukulo and Joana Mhone together with Ekariorama Magaleta (Systems/Software Development Intern at NBS Bank) introduced DisasterShield, a web-based application that helps households prepare for disasters. The tool offers personalized readiness tips and predicts risks using real-time weather information. According to the team, it empowers families and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa to take proactive steps in disaster preparedness.

Yankho, Joana and Ekariorama presenting their project during the conference

The success of MAREN’s team at UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 highlights Malawi’s growing role in advancing research, innovation, and disaster preparedness in the region. Through their work, MAREN continues to strengthen research networks and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for education and science in Africa.