As we prepare for the next iteration of the AfricaConnect project, this impact report looks at the transformative role of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in expanding digital access for Africa’s research and education communities in the last five years. Co-funded by the European Union and building up on the successes of the previous project phases, AC3 has strengthened NRENs across 24 countries, enabling over 3,000 institutions and 9 million users to benefit from high-speed, affordable, and secure connectivity.
In the impact report, you can read about how NRENs have deployed services like eduroam, giving students and researchers seamless Wi-Fi access across campuses and even public spaces like airports and bus stops; identity federations such as eduID.africa, which are simplifying secure login access to research platforms, while cloud-based services and open science initiatives like LIBSENSE and AfricArXiv are increasing research visibility and collaboration.
AC3 has also invested in capacity building, training over 5,000 NREN professionals and supporting leadership programs to ensure sustainable governance. The project’s advocacy efforts contributed to the African Union’s Digital Education Strategy, paving the way for the establishment of 54 NRENs by 2027.
The report showcases how NRENs, supported by AC3, are bridging Africa’s digital divide, fostering innovation, and integrating the continent’s education sector into the global knowledge economy.
We are excited to announce that the report can now be downloaded here: africaconnect3.net/resources
Enjoy reading!
