AfricaConnect3 (AC3) is the third phase of the AfricaConnect project, building on the success of predecessor projects in supporting the creation, development and use of advanced, reliable internet connectivity for the teaching, learning and research communities of Africa.
AfricaConnect3 is co-funded by the European Union and delivered locally by regional organisations - UbuntuNet Alliance, WACREN and ASREN, together with GÉANT.
AC3, which spans from November 2019 to 2023, is currently supporting the LIBSENSE programme. Under AC3, LIBSENSE has three main objectives: to support cultural change, to provide technical support, to build capacity, and to develop value-added services. These objectives when met would open doors for the full participation of new African voices in the scholarly communication landscape.
AC3’s support is provided to
Establish a framework for sustainable Open Access repository and journal development in Africa
Establish a framework for sustainable Open Access repository and journal development in Africa
Lessons learned from the Africa-wide surveys and workshops demonstrated critical concerns regarding the development and support for librarians’ digital skill sets, especially to support Open Access. In all three regions, (human, technical, and resource) capabilities were seen to be a major issue leading to deficiencies in skill sets.
This first task will, therefore, continue the work of the LIBSENSE workshops by establishing a framework to guide the development of two open access initiatives; Open Access Repositories (OARs) and Open Access Journals (OAJs). Since the community of beneficiaries effectively owns these activities, it is expected that skills and practice will be embedded within the community and thus enable sustainability after the completion of the project.
Operate a shared Open Access repository and a Research Data Management platform
Operate a shared Open Access repository and a Research Data Management platform
The goal here is the provision of a community cloud service in the form of a hosted general-purpose open-access repository for NRENs. Based on software developed under the European OpenAIRE program, it will allow researchers in African NRENs to deposit data sets, research software, reports, and any other research-related digital artifacts.
RENs in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are in early stages pilots of National Open Access Repositories in their countries. There are also ongoing discussions to exploit the outcomes in the development of the RUFORUM Knowledge Hub
Engage with content providers and implement federated identity management for libraries
Engage with content providers and implement federated identity management for libraries
This activity involves building on the groundwork laid for a full-fledged identity management service in eduID.africa. The aim is to improve the access of LIBSENSE communities to research portals that provide free or very low-cost access to major journals such as Research4Life.
Another benefit will be the increased ability of LIBSENSE communities to securely authenticate and identify their users, organise them in groups, assign them roles, and centrally manage access rights for using community resources.