National Research and Education Network Transformation in Guinea-Bissau

The Government of Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to improve the social and economic development of its people is impressive. Firstly, their focus is primarily on higher education as a key priority for progress. Basically, the strategic plan, Terra Ranka, aims to combat poverty and inequality through the National Research and Education Network we worked on.

Furthermore, it does this by improving access to basic services and aims to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030. This is due to its young and growing population that is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2030, and the country’s education system extends from preschool to tertiary level. The Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research (MENESIC) oversees this.

Significantly, one of the strategic initiatives derived from Terra Ranka is the establishment of a National Research and Education Network (NREN). NRENs play a vital role in connecting research institutions, universities, and educational institutions across the continent. Meanwhile, these specialised networks offer high-speed Internet connectivity alongside tailored services to the specific needs of the research and education community. These networks are a critical enabler for the increasing digital skills and improving learning outcomes.

Above all, we are pleased of the partnership established between us and Rede Nacional De Ensino E Pesquisa (RNEP-GW). It is the National Research and Education Network (NREN) of Guinea-Bissau. Through this project funded by the World Bank, under MENESIC, we collaborated with the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (MTTED), and worked to help the national stakeholder dialogue. Eventually, studied and understood the current capacity and connectivity needs of higher education institutions. Which prompted us to organise trainings and study tours to Togo and Mozambique. This culminated in the development of a Roadmap and Action Plan for the formal establishment and development of RNEP-GW. Hence, the NREN joining the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) as the latest member.

All things considered, we aim to continue supporting and work with NRENs in other African countries. This includes BERNET in Burundi. KENET in Kenya. MAREN in Malawi. RWEDNET in Rwanda. SomaliREN in Somalia. RENU in Uganda. ZAMREN in Zambia.

Benefits of Digital Transformation in African Higher Education Institutions

Consequently, the African higher education sector has immense potential. It can train the skilled workforce required for the countries’ transition to digital economies. As well as build the knowledge base necessary for this transition, no matter the significant challenges. Read more about this in this article