Launch of the WACREN Network Expansion
Alisa Hotel
WACREN has successfully connected six new countries—The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, and Senegal—to its regional network backbone, marking a significant expansion of advanced connectivity for research and education in West and Central Africa. This achievement enhances collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across borders.
In addition, a new link between Lagos and Cape Town establishes the first-ever interconnection of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across African regions, bridging West Africa and Southern Africa. This achievement expands opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across Africa’s academic and scientific communities.
To mark this milestone, WACREN will host the Network Expansion Launch as a side event at the Africa Internet Summit (AIS) 2025 on October 1, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The event will include high-level statements from stakeholders, a technical showcase, REMARKS from connected NRENs, and a symbolic activation of the new connections.
This expansion is made possible through the AfricaConnect3 project, funded by the European Commission and implemented in West and Central Africa by WACREN. Together, we are developing a stronger, more inclusive digital infrastructure for Africa’s research and education community—empowering universities, researchers, and students to succeed in the global knowledge society.
