Building sustainable NRENs in Africa - A technological and e-Education perspective

Abstract

Nowadays, it is consensual that Information and Communication Technologies play a crucial role in the universal access to education and science, being National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) one major example of its successful application in the academic and research context. Although in developed countries NREN infrastructures and services are widely adopted and mature, in developing countries many challenges need to be overcome to guarantee NRENs deployment and sustainability. In this context, this paper is devoted to discuss the NRENs panorama in Africa, with particular focus on Mozambique, covering the technological steps behind NRENs deployment and the challenges to provide relevant services to the enrolled community, in an encompassing and sustainable way. For this purpose, the technological and scientific ecosystem of Africa and Mozambique are analysed, and the national/international synergies at NREN and high education levels are identified. Finally, a service model for fostering e-learning and science sharing in Mozambique is proposed.