​​​Background

A fricaConnect2 is the successor project of AfricaConnect which deployed high-speed connections throughout Eastern and Southern Africa between 2011 and 2014, thus significantly contributing to the UbuntuNet network. Thanks to its interconnection with the European network GÉANT, it helped create a regional gateway for collaborative research.

Implementing the UbuntuNet network meant est​ablishing points of presence in major cities in the region and interconnecting them with broadband cross-border links.  Historically, all intra-regional traffic had to travel via routers in London and Amsterdam - incurring delays and additional costs. Scientists, researchers and students in Sub-Saharan Africa are now connected directly, able to share data quickly and collaborate more efficiently. ​

AfricaConnect and the backbone it implemented mean more than improved connectivity and reduced bandwidth costs

Looking beyond the routers, switches and fibre cables, the secret to a successful network and project is people. The UbuntuNet Alliance has created a close-knit community, with a pool of well-trained engineers who efficiently manage their networks and support their users across the region.​​​

AfricaConnect2 also builds on th​e achievements of the EUMEDCONNECT project. Co-funded by the EC, EUMEDCONNECT – now in its third phase – has provided a high-capacity dedicated internet network for the research and education communities across the southern and eastern Mediterranean region since 2004. The North African project partners will now migrate into the pan-African programme, benefiting from a higher EC co-funding share.​

AfricaConnect2 sets out to extend the success story initiated by AfricaConnect and EUMEDCONNECT to the whole African continent, thus accelerating the development of an inclusive Information Society in Africa. ​