This year’s edition of the UbuntuNet Connect Conference had a significant highlight: the honouring of the founding CEOs of the three regional research and education networks (RRENs) in Africa.

The honour was in recognition of their dedication and remarkable achievement with the development of research and education networks in Africa.

Dr. Boubakar Barry from the West and Central Africa Research and Education Network (WACREN), Dr. FF Tusu Tusubira (the founding CEO of UbuntuNet Alliance), and Dr. Yousef Tourman representing the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) were the esteemed honorees.

They were received with rapturous applause from the teeming participations at the plush Speke Resort in Kampala.

From the early 2000s to now, the three men have been playing frontline roles in the establishment and expansion of RENs in Africa.

Before the recognition, a special panel discussion featured the CEOs. They explored the origins and development of RENs in Africa with the support of the Association of African Universities and substantial funding from the European Commission through the AfricaConnect Programme.

The event culminated in the presentation of the Pioneers Award to each CEO, recognizing their pioneering contributions and innovative spirit in the development of Research and Education Networks.

The awards were presented by Engineer Musa Musazi, a Board of Trustees member of the Alliance, in a show of appreciation for their remarkable achievements and dedication.

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