The objective of the conference is to analyse the findings of two studies carried out by the AAU, with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC): one related to the state of connectivity of higher education institutions in Africa, especially in West and Central Africa, the other concerning available fibre infrastructure (both the dark fibre belonging to companies like railways, power and gas companies and those belonging to telecommunication operators).

The objective of these studies was to assess the current situation, to compare it with situations in other parts of the world and to eventually suggest measures to be taken in order to significantly improve the connectivity of African higher education and research institutions at affordable price.