We met Alexius Chipalamwazani from MAREN, the NREN for Malawi, who took part in the Emerging NREN Programme (ENP) at TNC23 (5-9 June, Tirana, Albania). The programme is designed to equip emerging NREN representatives with the skills, knowledge and network to drive innovation and development in their countries and the wider geographical regions.
In this interview, Alexius reflects on his journey, the transformative experience of his participation in the ENP, the impact of the programme on his professional and personal growth, and how he is using his role to contribute to his NREN in Malawi.
*Participation in TNC23 was made possible by the GÉANT Project, with travel to the conference supported by the Ubuntunet Alliance through AfricaConnect3.
Alexius, what motivated you to apply for the ENP and what were your expectations before starting?
When I applied for the ENP, I had recently joined MAREN and was already aware of the significant impact the NREN was making. However, I noticed that despite the community’s vibrancy and dynamism, there was still hesitation in embracing certain innovations, particularly the adoption of IPv6. Motivated by this, I decided to apply for the programme in order to voice my concerns and encourage the community to remain at the forefront of innovation, including the transition to IPv6. Although I wasn’t certain I would be granted the opportunity, my determination was clear. If given the chance to present, I was fully prepared to make a strong case to ensure the community took the necessary steps to adopt IPv6.
Since completing the programme, how has your career progressed? How have your responsibilities been influenced by your experience?
The ENP was an important milestone in my life. The programme allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse fields of expertise and I have learnt so much from every single one of these new connections. Since participating in the ENP, I gained the confidence to advocate for IPv6 adoption beyond the NREN community. The experience visibly increased the trust that the Malawian NREN community, as well as the entire ICT sector have in me and MAREN. In addition, MAREN has been given the opportunity to lead other important projects at national level after the involvement in the ENP.
What impact has the programme had on your NREN?
Thanks to our involvement in the ENP, MAREN’s impact has increased in significance not only in Malawi, but also beyond its borders. One of our key achievements is migrating both our own network and that of our clients to IPv6, making us the leading local organisation with the highest IPv6 traffic in Malawi. Our pioneering efforts have been recognised by multiple agencies, including the Malawi Telecommunications Regulator. Our influence extends beyond the NREN community, as we’ve also assisted several commercial operators in their transition to IPv6. With all of our engineers certified by AFRINIC, we remain committed to supporting any operators in need of assistance throughout the IPv6 migration process.
How do you see your role evolving within the context of your NREN, and what goals do you have for the future?
As the Network and Infrastructure Manager, I am focused on ensuring that MAREN embraces technologies that bring real value to the community we serve. I am also working to strengthen collaborations with other NRENs and enhance our shared technology initiatives. These include the uptake of High-Performance Computing, the implementation of other technologies suited to our low-income environments as well as any technology advances that would have a lasting impact on our community.
What advice would you give to future participants of the Emerging NREN Programme who want to make the most of the experience?
ENP participation is beyond the event itself. The programme offers an opportunity to present ideas and innovations on the world’s largest stage for R&E networking, thereby reaching the most relevant audience. I would therefore advise future participants to prepare well, use the platform to interact with colleagues from all around the world and facilitate the impact of their ideas beyond the conference by leveraging the connections made during the programme.
What are you most proud of regarding your involvement with the ENP and the work you’ve done since completing the programme?
I am incredibly proud of my involvement with the ENP as it enabled me to connect with friends from around the world who have supported me in areas beyond my knowledge space, and the support has been mutual. Participating in TNC through the ENP was an invaluable experience that greatly boosted my confidence.
I now feel empowered to pitch, with confidence, ideas that can benefit the Malawian community.
Inspired by the programme, MAREN has also started developing and implementing several new projects that are driving positive change.
What’s next for you?
I love being part of the NREN community and attending TNC was amazing. I look forward to participating in the programme again in the future. Most importantly, I will hold on to and cherish the memories, the connections and everything I learnt throughout the programme to ensure that we continue to deliver connectivity and innovation to the community we serve.
About Alexius
Alexius Chipalamwazani is the Network and Infrastructure Manager at MAREN. With extensive experience in network design and implementation, project management, and driving innovation, Alexius plays a key role in ensuring the seamless performance of MAREN’s infrastructure. He holds a Master’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering.
Would you like to find out more about the ENP?
Please, contact Luis Martin Flores, International Relations Project Manager, GÉANT.
