WACREN 2026 Annual Conference

The Premier Gathering for Africa's Research & Education Networks

About the Conference

WACREN 2026 brings together researchers, technologists, policymakers, and network operators from across Africa and beyond to explore how open collaboration and shared digital ecosystems are strengthening the continent's research capacity and digital sovereignty.

This is the first WACREN Annual Conference hosted in The Gambia — a milestone for GAMREN and the nation's growing role in Africa's research and education infrastructure.

12: Countries Connected
300+: Expectd Attendees
11th: Annual Conference

Key Highlights

Special guest of honour, His Excellency President Adama Barrow
Opening Keynote Speaker, H.E. Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabané, Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, Burkina Faso
Closing Keynote Speaker, Kathleen Shearer, Executive Director, Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR)
Technical workshops on eduroam, BGP, identity federation, and cloud
Showcasing LIBSENSE, Africa Digital Campus, CLI-MET, and EduAI
NREN Academy session for emerging national networks
Networking with 300+ delegates from 20+ countries
First WACREN conference hosted by GAMREN in The Gambia

Five Days of Learning & Collaboration

Conference Week

Workshop and Symposium
Mon 23
LIBSENSE national open science symposium and network monitoring & management workshop
- NMM Registration →
- LIBSENSE Registration →
Workshop and Meetings
Tue 24
Diamond open access day, Africanconnect4 project management meeting, network monitoring & management workshop, trust & identity Birds of a Feather (BoF)
- Diamond open access Registration →
- Trust & Identity Birds of a Feather (BoF) Registration →
Workshop and Reception
Wed 25
NREN Academy, network monitoring & management workshop, welcome reception
- NREN Academy Registration →
Conference Day 1
Thu 26
Welcome Coffee & Registration, Opening Ceremony, Plenary, Coffee Break, Session 1, Lunch, Session 2, Coffee Break, Session 3, Gala Dinner
- Conference Registration →
Conference Day 2
Fri 27
Report on Workshops, GAMREN Update, Session 4, Coffee Break, Keynote Address, Lunch, Session 5, Coffee Break, Session 6, Closing Remarks, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Sightseeing

Topics & Themes

Conference Sessions

Four plenary sessions exploring AI in education, cybersecurity collaboration, climate intelligence, and digital sovereignty for African higher education.

AI Infrastructure for Advancing Digital Education

Exploring how artificial intelligence and supporting infrastructure can transform teaching, learning, and research across African higher education institutions.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Robust Collaboration and Intelligent Infrastructure

Building shared security frameworks, threat intelligence networks, and resilient digital infrastructure to protect research and education communities.

Federated Climate Intelligence: Linking Air, Water and Satellite Data Through Regional Research Infrastructure

Connecting climate monitoring systems, sensor networks, and satellite data platforms across West Africa through shared research infrastructure.

Collaborating on Open Infrastructure and Resources to Create Digital Sovereignty for African Higher Education

Advancing open science, open access publishing, and community-owned digital infrastructure to strengthen Africa's academic independence.

Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre

Venue

One of the largest and most advanced conference facilities in West Africa, the SDKJICC accommodates over 4,000 guests and features state-of-the-art teleconferencing capabilities, high-speed fibre connectivity, and a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the Bijilo Forest Park.

The centre has hosted the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit and the African Development Bank Annual General Meeting.

BJL Airport

25 km from the venue

Hotels nearby

Kololi & Senegambia strip.

Atlantic coast

Beachfront location

Bijilo Forest

Adjacent nature reserve

The Gambia

Discover

Known as the "Smiling Coast of Africa," The Gambia welcomes visitors with legendary hospitality, rich culture, and natural beauty. The smallest country on mainland Africa is defined by the Gambia River that flows through its heart — the very waterway that inspired GAMREN's brand identity.

Warm Hospitality: Gambians are renowned for their warmth and welcoming spirit — you'll feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Rich Birdlife & Nature: Over 560 bird species, pristine river ecosystems, and nature reserves including the adjacent Bijilo Forest Park.
Cultural Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant markets, traditional music, and a history stretching back to the great empires of West Africa.
Easy Access: Direct flights from Dakar, Accra, Lagos, Casablanca, Brussels, and London. Visa on arrival available for many nationalities.

Secure Your Place

Registration

Registration is open through WACREN's event platform. Fees cover entry and meals for the main conference days (March 26-27).

$150

Africa-Based

Registrants residing in Africa

✓ Full conference access (March 26-27)
✓ Meals and refreshments included
✓ Networking reception
✓ Workshop access (free, separate registration)

Most Attendees

$200

International

Registrants residing outside Africa

✓ Full conference access (March 26-27)
✓ Meals and refreshments included
✓ Networking reception
✓ Workshop access (free, separate registration)

Register on WACREN → Payment by credit/debit card or bank transfer · Confirmation to conf2026@wacren.net

Making WACREN 2026 Possible

Partners & Supporters

Organiser

West and Central African Research and Education Network
(WACREN)

Host NREN

Gambia Academic and Research Network
(GAMREN)

Layer3

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN)

The Gambia Telecommunications Company Ltd
(Gamtel)

Programme Partners

Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology
(MoHERST)

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When and where is the conference?

The conference runs March 23-27, 2026. Pre-conference workshops are March 23-25. The main conference is March 26-27. All events take place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJICC) in Banjul, The Gambia.

How do I register for the conference?

Registration is handled through WACREN's Indico platform. You can pay via credit/debit card online or by bank transfer. After bank transfer, send confirmation to conf2026@wacren.net.

What is the cost of registration?

Registrants residing in Africa pay $150. Registrants residing outside Africa pay $200. Fees cover entry and meals on the conference days (March 26-27 only). Pre-conference workshops are free but require separate registration.

Do I need a visa to visit The Gambia?

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in The Gambia. However, visa requirements vary by country. We recommend checking with your nearest Gambian embassy or consulate well in advance. WACREN may provide invitation letters for registered participants.

Where can I stay during the conference?

The SDKJICC is located in the Greater Banjul Area near Kololi, which has numerous hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Recommended hotels and special conference rates will be announced closer to the event.

Are pre-conference workshops free?

Yes, pre-conference workshops (March 23-25) are free of charge. However, you must register separately for each workshop you wish to attend.

Is the conference bilingual?

The conference is conducted primarily in English. Some sessions and materials may be available in French to serve the Francophone WACREN community.

What is the currency of The Gambia?

The Gambia uses the Gambian dalasi (GMD). The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 73.00 GMD.

How do I get to The Gambia?

Banjul International Airport (BJL) receives flights from several African and European cities. Direct connections are available from Dakar, Accra, Lagos, Casablanca, Brussels, and London. The airport is approximately 25km from the conference venue.