The Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for UbuntuNet-Connect 2026, the premier annual research and education networking conference for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Hosted by MAREN in partnership with UbuntuNet Alliance, the conference will take place from 29–30 October 2026 at the Pearl Convention Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi, under the theme “Shaping Digital Horizons.”

UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 will bring together network engineers, researchers, university ICT leaders, librarians, policymakers, development partners, and technology experts from across Africa and beyond to explore how digital infrastructure can advance research, education, innovation, and collaboration.

As host of this year’s conference, MAREN is proud to welcome the regional and international research and education community to Malawi for what promises to be a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and innovation.

Shaping Digital Horizons

The theme “Shaping Digital Horizons” reflects a shared vision of advancing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital infrastructure that supports research, education, and innovation across Eastern and Southern Africa.

The conference will explore how National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), universities, governments, development partners, researchers, libraries, and industry stakeholders can work together to build secure, open, innovative, and future-ready digital ecosystems.

Participants can look forward to keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, paper presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities focused on some of the most pressing priorities in research and education networking, including:

  • Research and Education Network Infrastructure
  • Cybersecurity
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Open Science
  • Innovation, Partnerships and Service Evolution
  • Diversity, Equity and Gender Inclusion

UbuntuNet Alliance at 20

UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 comes at a significant moment as UbuntuNet Alliance celebrates 20 years of advancing research and education networking in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The conference will provide an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past two decades while exploring the digital horizons that will shape the future of research, education, and innovation across the region.

Conference Registration Details

Registration will be conducted in two phases:

Early Bird Registration
1 June – 31 August 2026

Normal Registration
1 September – 30 September 2026

Participants are encouraged to register early and take advantage of discounted Early Bird rates:

  • Participants from Malawian institutions: Kwacha equivalent of USD 150
  • Participants from African institutions: USD 150
  • Participants from the rest of the world: USD 200

Please note that registration is only considered complete once payment has been made and proof of payment has been submitted to info@ubuntunet.net.

Why Attend?

UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Learn from regional and international experts
  • Share experiences and best practices
  • Showcase innovations and research initiatives
  • Build strategic partnerships
  • Connect with leaders in research, education, and technology

Whether you represent an NREN, university, research institution, library, government agency, development partner, or private sector organisation, UbuntuNet-Connect 2026 provides an ideal platform to engage with the people, ideas, and technologies shaping Africa’s digital research and education future.

Register Now

Join us in Lilongwe, Malawi, and be part of the conversations, collaborations, and innovations that are shaping digital horizons across Africa.

REGISTER NOW: https://ubuntunet.net/uc2022/