Organized by the UbuntuNet Alliance under the AfricaConnect4 programme and hosted by the Botswana Research and Education Network (BotsREN), the five-day workshop brought together 24 participants from 13 UbuntuNet Alliance member National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), including EthERNet. The programme was co-funded by the European Union.

The training focused on strengthening the capacity of African NRENs to effectively communicate the value of their connectivity and digital services, engage stakeholders, develop partnerships, and support the long-term sustainability of their organisations.

Participants included professionals working in communications, marketing, business development, administration and finance, as well as chief executive officers. The diversity of participants provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on how NRENs can strengthen relationships with their members and the wider research and education community.

The workshop covered a range of practical topics, including strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, impact storytelling, event management, digital communications, partnership development, and business development. Participants explored how to develop audience-focused messages and demonstrate the impact that NREN services have on universities, researchers, students and other stakeholders.

The training also examined the role of websites, newsletters, mailing lists, social media, messaging platforms, webinars and other communication channels in maintaining engagement with NREN communities. Participants undertook practical exercises focused on developing communication approaches, promotional activities and post-event engagement strategies.

An additional focus was placed on developing structured, year-round partnership programmes that can create sustained opportunities for collaboration and support NREN objectives beyond individual events. The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to learn from the experiences of other NRENs and share approaches to addressing common organisational and sustainability challenges.

For EthERNet, participation in this regional initiative contributes to strengthening the organisation's capacity in communications, stakeholder engagement and business development. These capabilities are increasingly important as EthERNet continues to expand its services and strengthen its role in supporting Ethiopia's higher education and research community.

The workshop further strengthened regional collaboration among African NRENs and provided participants with a platform to build professional networks, exchange best practices and explore approaches that can contribute to stronger and more sustainable research and education networks across the continent.

EthERNet appreciates the UbuntuNet Alliance and its partners for providing this opportunity for knowledge exchange and professional capacity development.

Source: UbuntuNet Alliance — “Strengthening African NREN Communications and Business Development through AfricaConnect4 Regional Training.”