GAMREN Draws Inspiration from GARNET's Success

The Gambia Research and Education Network (GAMREN), represented by Dr. Mbemba Hydara, has completed an intensive four-day study visit to the Ghana Academic and Research Network (GARNET) as part of the WACREN NREN CEOs Exchange Programme. The initiative, supported by the EU-funded AfricaConnect3 project, is designed to foster knowledge exchange among National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) within the West and Central African region.

Learning from a Proven Model

The visit focused on understanding how GARNET has evolved into a stable and impactful NREN, successfully delivering essential services to a growing community of research and education institutions across Ghana while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

GARNET’s CEO, Lucas Chigabatia, provided detailed insights across several critical areas:

• Governance and organisational structure — how GARNET established its legal framework and board composition
• Strategic planning — the process of developing multi-year roadmaps aligned with national education priorities
• Infrastructure and service delivery — deploying connectivity, eduroam, and identity federation services to member institutions
• Risk management — identifying and mitigating challenges in the early stages of NREN development
• Resource mobilisation and financial sustainability — building a revenue model that supports long-term operations

Applicable Lessons for GAMREN

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Mbemba Hydara stated that the topics covered were highly relevant to GAMREN’s ongoing implementation efforts. While there are notable differences between the two NRENs — including scale, institutional landscape, and regulatory environment — the shared commonalities offer significant lessons and best practices that GAMREN can adapt to The Gambian context.

“Mr. Lucas and his team provided a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to establish a national REN on solid ground,” Dr. Hydara noted.

Engaging with the Wider NREN Community

As part of the exchange, Dr. Hydara also attended GARNET’s Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting, held at the Regional Maritime University in Tema, Ghana. The event brought together representatives from Ghana’s research and education community, WACREN leadership, and peer NRENs from across the region.

The participation provided GAMREN with direct exposure to how established NRENs engage their member communities, present annual progress, and plan collectively for the future. Strengthening Pan-African Research Networks This collaboration exemplifies the value of shared knowledge and mutual support among WACREN members. The CEOs Exchange Programme — a flagship component of the AfricaConnect3 project — is specifically designed to accelerate the development of emerging NRENs by connecting them with experienced counterparts across the continent.

For GAMREN, the visit marks an important step in building the institutional capacity, governance frameworks, and strategic foundations needed to deliver world-class research and education connectivity to institutions across The Gambia.

About the AfricaConnect3 Project

AfricaConnect3 is co-funded by the European Union and delivered locally by regional organisations — UbuntuNet Alliance, WACREN, and ASREN — together with GÉANT. The project supports the creation, development, and use of advanced, reliable internet connectivity for the teaching, learning, and research communities of Africa.

About GARNET

The Ghana Academic and Research Network (GARNET) is the National Research and Education Network for Ghana and a member of WACREN. GARNET provides advanced network connectivity and services to higher education and research institutions across the country.