On 27th February 2024, NORDUnet, GEANT and the Guild of European Research intensity Universities organised a multi-stakeholder event in Brussels, focused on how National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) can support initiatives between European and African universities. NORDUnet took this as an opportunity to reach out to the Nordic NRNEs as well as to several Nordic universities that collaborate with African universities.
The event was opened by the UNESCO’s Global Perspective on Research Director Louise Haxthausen, who presented UNESCO’s global perspective on diversity, Research and Education, highlighting the importance of supporting growth for Research and Education in the African Region.
NORDUnet’s Licia Florio led a Nordic session in the event, with Erik Kikkenborg (also NORDUnet), Helin Bäckman Kartal (Uppsala University), the coordinator for the South Africa -Sweden University Partnership (SASUF) and Antti Pinomaa (LUT University, Finland) who reported on the research projects ongoing with African partners to provide green electricity. Talking to Helin and Antti brought new ideas and insights to life.
The event was also supported by the EC co-funded Africa Connect 3 project led by GEANT. The project aim to support the creation, development and use of advanced, reliable internet connectivity for the teaching, learning and research communities of Africa. NORDUnet, in particular Erik Kikkenborg, is contributing to this project, supporting the development of connectivity, eduroam and media services. The NORDUnet effort was positively recognised by the DG-INTPA representatives that attended the event. Leïla Dekkar of GÉANT Association provided a great overview on the connectivity development in Africa over the past 10 years of Africa Connect funding and how this enabled the roll-out of eduroam and the creation of national identity federations that are now participating in eduGAIN.
Nicholas Mbonimpa, CEO of the Uganda NRENs RENU, talked about the success of bringing eduroam outside the campus during the pandemic and how this led to the creation of new eduroam hotspots in the country.The future indeed looks bright, illuminated by the collective brilliance and enthusiasm of everyone at the event; but there is still a lot to do to in Africa and one of the challenges identified in the workshop relates to the engagement with national policy authorities to facilitate the creation of infrastructure in the various countries. Many Research and Education Networks in Africa still struggle to be recognised as special organisations that operate for research and education purposes only.
Co-organising NEXUS has been rewarding. Connections have been made that have the promise to develop into new collaborations for NORDUnet, Nordic NRENs and Nordic Universities. This type of promote synergies and connections and are an invaluable opportunity to learn from each other, discuss best practices, build lasting connections, and to strengthen the global network of R&E communities.
“I’m leaving with a head full of ideas, a heart full of inspiration, and a renewed sense of optimism about what we can achieve together”, said Erik Kikkenborg, adding “Let’s keep the conversations going and continue to drive positive change in our communities”.
