UbuntuNet Alliance successfully hosted a five-day Regional Finance Officers Training Workshop from 22–26 June 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together Finance Officers from member National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across Eastern and Southern Africa. The training was funded by the European Commission under the AfricaConnect4 (AC4) Project and facilitated by E Square Consultancy Services.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in the history of the AfricaConnect programme. Since the inception of AfricaConnect, capacity-building initiatives have predominantly focused on strengthening the technical and engineering capabilities of NRENs. This was the first regional training dedicated exclusively to Finance Officers, recognizing that strong financial management, governance, and donor compliance are equally critical to building resilient and sustainable research and education networks.
The workshop brought together 26 participants from 15 countries namely, Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, representing their respective NRENs. Reflecting UbuntuNet Alliance’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, the training achieved an impressive gender balance, with 13 female and 13 male participants, an encouraging demonstration of the growing role of women in financial leadership across African NRENs.
Throughout the week, participants explored key areas of financial management that are essential to managing modern research and education networks. Sessions covered financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, procurement, fraud prevention, donor-funded project management, financial analytics, pricing models, and the strategic role of finance in supporting organizational sustainability.
A major focus of the training was strengthening participants’ capacity to manage donor-funded projects effectively. Finance Officers enhanced their understanding of donor compliance requirements, grant accounting, internal controls, audit preparedness, and financial reporting. Practical discussions enabled participants to exchange experiences and identify solutions to common challenges faced by NRENs in implementing externally funded projects.
Another highlight of the programme was the practical use of digital tools to improve financial management. Participants developed hands-on skills in Microsoft Excel, financial modelling, dashboards, forecasting, and data analytics, enabling them to transform financial data into meaningful insights for management and Board decision-making. The workshop also introduced participants to emerging opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation for finance functions.
The workshop adopted a highly interactive approach, combining presentations, practical exercises, case studies, and peer learning. This created a valuable platform for Finance Officers to exchange experiences, discuss common operational challenges, and share practical solutions for strengthening governance, accountability, and financial sustainability within their respective NRENs.
By the end of the programme, participants had strengthened their knowledge and confidence in applying international financial management practices while addressing the unique operational realities of their institutions. They also identified practical actions to improve financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, enhance donor compliance, and support evidence-based decision-making within their organizations.
The Regional Finance Officers Training demonstrates UbuntuNet Alliance’s commitment to strengthening every aspect of institutional capacity within its member NRENs. By extending AfricaConnect4 capacity-building beyond technical and engineering disciplines to include financial leadership, the Alliance is investing in stronger governance, greater accountability, and the long-term sustainability of research and education networking across Africa.
