WACREN has successfully connected six new countries—The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, and Senegal—to its regional network backbone, marking a significant expansion of advanced connectivity for research and education in West and Central Africa. This achievement enhances collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across borders. To mark this milestone, WACREN will host the Network Expansion Launch as a side event at the Africa Internet Summit (AIS) 2025 on 1 October 2025, at Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The event will include high-level statements from stakeholders, a technical showcase, REMARKS from connected NRENs, and a symbolic activation of the new connections.

This expansion is made possible through the AfricaConnect3 project, funded by the European Commission and implemented in West and Central Africa by WACREN. Together, we are developing a stronger, more inclusive digital infrastructure for Africa’s research and education community—empowering universities, researchers, and students to succeed in the global knowledge society.