WACREN: West & Central African academic network

WACREN: West & Central African academic network is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Supports high-speed, secure connectivity for research and education
• Offers hosting, conferencing, identity services, security, training and more

Network infrastructure and core services

WACREN (West and Central African Research and Education Network) builds and maintains dedicated connectivity for the region’s academic and research institutions. It operates infrastructure including robust connectivity services, hosting platforms, video conferencing, identity and access management, and network performance tools. WACREN also provides security services, a central network operating centre, and capacity building programmes for member institutions. It plays a unique role by offering TrustBroker services to help institutions securely authenticate and enrol users across boundaries.

The network underpins advanced educational collaboration and research through reliable infrastructure. It links National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across West and Central Africa to global research platforms and initiatives. WACREN ensures continuous support through its Network Operating Centre, while equipping institutions with tools for performance monitoring and data-hosting capabilities.

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Community engagement and strategic projects

WACREN drives digital transformation in education and research through a range of community-focused programmes. It facilitates connectivity integration, digital skills development, and institutional alignment across the region. The network hosts training academies like the NREN Academy and LIBSENSE, alongside diversity initiatives such as Women-in-WACREN and COPPHA for public health networks.

WACREN participates in pan-African projects like AfricaConnect3, Africa Digital Campus, TANDEM, MAGIC, Sci-GaIA, and AfricaConnect2, which expand high-speed research infrastructure and foster educational collaboration. The network also shares updates and resources through an active media centre with newsletters and newsposts. Leadership and governance drive coordination among members, and WACREN serves as an interconnection backbone to integrate institutional research communities across West and Central Africa.