Remembering Dr Boubakar Barry: Two Years On

Two years ago, on 18 September 2024, the WACREN community lost its pioneering CEO, Dr Boubakar Barry – a visionary leader whose life’s work helped shape Africa’s research and education networking landscape.

Dr Barry led WACREN for 13 years, guiding its growth and strengthening connections among National Research and Education Networks across West and Central Africa. His earlier work with the Association of African Universities and his role in advancing the AfricaConnect initiative helped lay important foundations for today’s African research and education network ecosystem.

Since his passing, tributes from across Africa and the global REN community have reflected the breadth of his contribution. WACREN’s remembrance celebrated his enduring legacy, while GÉANT’s memorial tribute remembered his vision, friendship and lifelong commitment to bringing the information society to West and Central Africa. UbuntuNet Alliance and AFRINIC likewise honoured his leadership and service to the continent. He is also featured in the Internet Society.

Watch the special memorial session held in honor of Dr Barry at the WACREN Conference in 2025.

Two years on, Dr Barry’s vision continues to inspire WACREN and the wider community. His legacy lives on in the networks, partnerships, people and opportunities he helped create.

We invite the WACREN community and all who knew Dr Barry to join us for a minute of silence and remembrance on Friday, 18 September, 2026 at 10:00 UTC.

Please visit https://boubakarbarry.wacren.net/ for more on the life of Dr. Barry and to share your memories of him.