Zambia Research and Education Network

What Zambia Research and Education Network does

Zambia Research and Education Network (ZAMREN) is Zambia's National Research and Education Network (NREN), operating as a non-profit membership-based organization headquartered in the purpose-built ZAMREN House on the University of Zambia campus in Lusaka. Founded in 2012, the organization delivers broadband connectivity, network infrastructure, and a portfolio of digital platforms to over 167 member institutions across all ten Zambian provinces — including public and private universities, colleges of education, secondary schools, nursing colleges, research institutions, and regulatory bodies such as the Examinations Council of Zambia. Its service stack includes tiered dedicated internet (1:1 contention ratio across 1-100, 101-299, and 300+ Mbps tiers), eduroam global Wi-Fi roaming, web/email hosting, DNS, cloud computing, colocation, federated identity, eduGAIN, Zoom licensing, Moodle LMS, high-performance computing, and specialized technical training.

ZAMREN's revenue model is anchored in recurring annual membership subscriptions, tiered internet service fees, and ancillary charges for hosting/cloud/Zoom, with a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement for student hostel fiber projects. The organization generates approximately 5x cost reduction in dedicated bandwidth for member institutions relative to commercial ISPs, supported by EU-funded backbone infrastructure (AfricaConnect Project, €14.2M total), ZICTA-supported last-mile fiber via the ZESCO grid, and a non-profit cost structure. Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees chaired by Prof. Mundia Muya (also Vice-Chancellor of UNZA); Prof. Muya was elected to the UbuntuNet Alliance Board of Trustees in May 2025, embedding ZAMREN within a 16-NREN regional ecosystem spanning Eastern and Southern Africa.

Since 2022, ZAMREN has evolved from a connectivity provider into a developer of indigenous digital solutions, launching the UNICOSIS student information system (optimized for online registration, fee payments, and examinations management), COSIS for colleges, and internal payroll/procurement systems. Recent strategic activity includes a 2025 AWS AI in Education pilot at three universities, a May 2026 eduroam On-Device proof of concept with ZAMTEL and ZedMobile (extending R&E credentialing beyond Wi-Fi to cellular), expansion to secondary schools, and deployment of eduroam at public spaces including Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and major malls. Capital and operating support are sourced from European Commission grants, the World Bank IDEA/DZAP project, SMART Zambia Institute, and strategic technology partners (AWS, NSRC, Indiana University, CHPC).

Name

Zambia Research and Education Network

Legal name

Zambia Research and Education Network

Website

https://zamren.zm

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ZAMREN is Zambia's non-profit National Research and Education Network, providing broadband connectivity, eduroam global roaming, and indigenous digital platforms (UNICOSIS, COSIS) to 167+ member institutions across all ten provinces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Research and Education Network Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Wireless ISPs (WISPs) & Fixed Wireless Access Providers (HDAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Collaboration & Communication Support (Email, Calendaring, VoIP, Video Conferencing) (EDALAMAG), Unified Communications & VoIP Telephony for Campuses (EDAEAHAE), SIM/eSIM, Mobile Connectivity & Student Tech Setup (EDAIANAG)

Keywords

• Research and education networking
• National research network
• Education connectivity services
• Student information systems
• Academic ICT infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Lusaka

HQ country

Zambia

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual subscription fees paid by member institutions (universities, colleges, schools, research institutions) for access to network connectivity, ICT services, and digital infrastructure. Joining fees and recurring annual subscriptions form the primary revenue stream for this non-profit NREN.
2. Internet Services: Dedicated internet service with tiered pricing based on speed (Tier 1: 1-100 Mbps, Tier 2: 101-299 Mbps, Tier 3: above 300 Mbps). Provides 1:1 connection ratio for member institutions.
3. Web Hosting and Cloud Services: Subscription-based web hosting, email hosting, cloud computing, and colocation services for member institutions requiring reliable and secure platforms for their digital presence.
4. Zoom Licenses: Distribution of Zoom licenses to member institutions for virtual meetings and virtual learning, facilitating collaboration and distance education.
5. Student Hostel Connectivity: 50/50 cost-sharing model for optic fibre installation to student hostels, providing internet connectivity to residential facilities.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ZAMREN operates as Zambia's National Research and Education Network (NREN), providing high-speed broadband connectivity, network infrastructure, and a portfolio of ICT services to member educational and research institutions. Its core offerings include tiered dedicated internet services, eduroam global Wi-Fi roaming, the home-grown UNICOSIS and COSIS student information systems, cloud computing, web and email hosting, federated identity management, and high-performance computing for research. Services are delivered via a membership-based subscription model to universities, colleges, schools, research bodies, and anchor institutions across Zambia.

Product overview

ZAMREN operates as a National Research and Education Network (NREN) providing a comprehensive suite of ICT services to education and research institutions in Zambia. The core offering centers on high-speed internet connectivity and network infrastructure, complemented by the UNICOSIS student information system for digital academic administration. Additional services include eduroam global roaming, web/email hosting, DNS services, cloud computing, server colocation, federated identity management, video conferencing (Zoom), eduGAIN federation access, Moodle learning management, high performance computing, and specialized technical training. Services are delivered primarily to member universities, colleges, research institutions, and schools through membership-based subscriptions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• UNICOSIS (University and College Student Information System) An advanced home-grown student information system designed by ZAMREN to optimize academic administration for prospective and current students, lecturers, and administrators at member institutions.
• eduroam On-Device Innovative proof of concept enabling users to remain connected directly on their devices beyond campus spaces, providing uninterrupted access to learning platforms, research materials, and digital collaboration tools from anywhere.
• eduroam Global Wi-Fi roaming access service developed for NRENs that allows students, researchers and staff to seamlessly access internet connectivity when visiting any participating institution worldwide.
• Dedicated Internet Services Dedicated internet service with 1:1 connection ratio offered in three tiers: Tier 1 (1-100 Mbps), Tier 2 (101-299 Mbps), and Tier 3 (above 300 Mbps). Also extends to student hostels via 50/50 cost-sharing for optic fibre installation.
• Web & Email Hosting Website and email hosting services providing reliable and secure platforms for member institutions to market themselves, provide course information, and host contact details online.
• Cloud Computing and VPS Scalable and on-demand computing resources providing reliable infrastructure for applications, reducing the need for physical infrastructure at member institutions.
• Colocation Service Data center services allowing member institutions to host servers and network equipment in a controlled environment with dedicated connectivity and uninterrupted power supply.
• High Performance Computing Supercomputing resources enabling computation and analysis of vast data, remote backup, and advanced research computing for science-driven research at member institutions.
• Specialized Technical Training Training workshops for IT technical staff in member institutions to equip them with knowledge to manage their IT infrastructure, including Campus Network Design and Operations (CNDO) training.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-fold reduction in cost of dedicated bandwidth for connected institutions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• ZAMTELcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 May 2026Partnership for implementation of eduroam on-device proof of concept, enabling users to access internet services beyond traditional Wi-Fi hotspots using mobile network technology.
• ZedMobilecoreTechnology or Integration · 12 May 2026Partnership for development of eduroam-enabled SIM cards allowing students, researchers, and educators to securely access internet services beyond traditional eduroam hotspots.
• Tanzania Research and Education Network (TERNET)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026TERNET Board benchmarking visit to Zambia for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and best practices in delivery of research and education network services. Both ZAMREN and TERNET are active NRENs exploring mutual interests.
• Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Strategic meeting at RENU Secretariat focusing on cross-border partnerships, capacity building, and shared digital infrastructure. Both ZAMREN and RENU are UbuntuNet Alliance members.
• Makerere UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025High-level engagement for benchmarking best practices in digital transformation, AI integration, and academic governance. Valuable exchange of insights on technology enhancement for teaching, research, and institutional efficiency.
• Zimbabwe Research and Education Network (ZimREN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2025Host of 18th UbuntuNet-Connect 2025 Conference. Both organizations collaborated at the conference themed 'Resilient and Sustainable Research and Education Networks for the Future'.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or Integration · 21 July 2025Collaboration to pilot Artificial Intelligence in Education at UNZA, CBU, and Zambia University College of Technology (ZUT). Proof of concept aimed at personalizing learning, automating content delivery, and enabling data-driven teaching and administration.
• Information and Communications Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Exploratory partnership for ICT skills, capacity building, and mentorship for students and ICT professionals. Potential collaboration on hackathon events to promote innovation.
• UbuntuNet AllianceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Research and Education Network (RREN) for Eastern and Southern Africa. ZAMREN is a full member and connects to the UbuntuNet Alliance backbone network, gaining access to special interconnections with other NRENs worldwide. The Alliance provides connectivity to major research and education networking gateways.
• AfricaConnect ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-funded project for deployment of UbuntuNet Alliance Network backbone. ZAMREN contributed Euro 250,000 towards the AfricaConnect Project 1 which had a total budget of Euro 14.2 million (80% EC funded, 20% by recipient NRENs).
• ZESCOcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for optic fiber last mile connectivity. ZICTA supported ZAMREN in providing optic fiber last mile connectivity for UNZA, CBU, Mulungushi University and others to the ZESCO optic fiber grid.
• Indiana UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner providing technical expertise and collaboration in research and education networking initiatives.
• Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner based at University of Oregon, USA, providing technical capacity building and training including Campus Network Design and Operations (CNDO) training for ZAMREN member institutions.
• Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner providing high performance computing resources and expertise for research and education community.
• SMART Zambia InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuarterly engagements with e-Government Division to share updates on key initiatives aimed at strengthening Zambia's digital infrastructure. Collaboration on UNICOSIS deployment and secondary school connectivity initiatives.
• Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to showcase eduroam as gateway to digital libraries at LIAZ Annual General Conference, promoting digital inclusion in academic libraries.
• Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipation in ZIPRC Annual General Meeting and Conference to discuss strategic communication in the AI era, reinforcing commitment to digital transformation communication.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• UbuntuNet Alliance: Regional Research and Education Network (RREN) for Eastern and Southern Africa comprising 16 NRENs including ZAMREN. Directly comparable as a peer NREN umbrella and the primary interoperability/partner network ZAMREN belongs to.
• Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU): Uganda's NREN providing connectivity and ICT services to universities and research institutions. Co-member of UbuntuNet Alliance and an active strategic partner for cross-border capacity building, directly comparable in scope and product set.
• Kenya Education Network (KENET): Kenya's NREN providing connectivity, hosting, and research infrastructure to member universities. Directly comparable NREN model and is also a UbuntuNet Alliance peer to ZAMREN.
• Zimbabwe Research and Education Network (ZimREN): Zimbabwe's NREN and fellow UbuntuNet Alliance member. Comparable as a Southern African NREN delivering connectivity and ICT services to universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Tertiary Education and Research Network of South Africa (TENET): South Africa's NREN serving universities and research institutions with high-speed connectivity, eduroam, federated identity, and cloud services. Most mature African NREN peer with comparable product portfolio.
• Tanzania Research and Education Network (TERNET): National Research and Education Network of Tanzania. Operates the same NREN model (connectivity, eduroam, member institutions) and recently conducted a board benchmarking visit to ZAMREN, indicating direct comparability in services and member structure.

Broad incumbents

• GÉANT: European NREN umbrella organisation and the global benchmark for research and education networking. Operates the pan-European backbone and eduroam governance, positioning it as the broader incumbent model ZAMREN aspires to in its region.
• Internet2: US-based research and education networking consortium providing high-speed connectivity and identity services to universities. Comparable NREN mission and global federation role, but operating at a significantly larger scale than ZAMREN.
• Jisc (UK NREN/JANET): UK provider of digital solutions and the Janet network for universities and colleges. Directly analogous in delivering connectivity plus digital platforms (VLE, identity, cloud) to education members, but at much greater scale.

Emerging players

• Lesotho Research and Education Network (LesREN): Newest member of the UbuntuNet Alliance and small emerging NREN. Comparable in mission and category but at an earlier development stage than ZAMREN.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ZambiaRen
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ZAMREN-u7o
• Facebookfacebook.com/zamnren
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zambia-research-and-education-network
• Instagraminstagram.com/zamren_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zambia Research and Education Network