Provincial Malls to Get High-Speed Internet in ZAMREN 2026 Digital Expansion
The Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) plans to extend high-speed internet connectivity beyond university campuses to selected provincial shopping malls in 2026, in a move aimed at improving digital access for students, researchers and the wider public.
ZAMREN Chief Executive Officer Stein Mkandawire said the expansion will enable students and lecturers to remain connected to online learning and research platforms even when they are away from their institutions.
Mr Mkandawire announced the plan during a media familiarisation tour of ZAMREN House in Lusaka, where he outlined the network’s 2026 rollout strategy under the theme “Growing Together.” He said the initiative is designed to promote equitable access to fast and reliable internet services, research applications and digital learning tools across all member institutions.
As part of efforts to stimulate research and innovation, ZAMREN has also introduced a high-performance computing grant exclusively for its member institutions. The grant, which will be available from 1 January to 31 December 2026, is intended to support advanced research projects that depend on high-end computing resources.
“Our goal is to build a strong culture of research and innovation,” Mr Mkandawire said. “With improved connectivity and access to these grants, researchers will have fewer barriers to completing high-quality work.”
He added that the expansion includes the deployment of eduroam connectivity in provincial shopping malls, allowing students and lecturers to stay online while attending to daily activities. The initiative is also expected to increase footfall in shopping centres while ensuring uninterrupted access to academic and research resources.
Mr Mkandawire further explained that institutions currently lacking adequate infrastructure will receive donated equipment from ZAMREN and its partners, with the understanding that the equipment will remain the property of ZAMREN should an institution exit the network.
Currently, ZAMREN operates at a capacity of 12 gigabits per second, with universities consuming approximately 11.6 gigabits, leaving limited spare bandwidth. He confirmed that expansion plans are in progress, including the adoption of alternative energy solutions such as solar and diesel systems to maintain connectivity in areas with unreliable power supply.
He said the impact of the network’s expansion will be measured through enrolment and usage data from member institutions to assess how improved digital access enhances learning and research outcomes.
Beyond connectivity, ZAMREN has also integrated a fully customisable academic management system that enables institutions to manage student applications, online payments, examination results, learning management systems and academic progression through a single digital platform.
“This solution streamlines administration and improves the overall experience for students and academic staff,” Mr Mkandawire said.
