Learning Information Networking Knowledge (LINK) Centre

LINK Centre An interdisciplinary academic unit that researches, publishes, teaches and advises on dimensions of Africa's digital knowledge economy.

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Established in 2000, the Learning Information Networking Knowledge (LINK) Centre in Johannesburg is an interdisciplinary academic hub based at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Literature, Language and Media (SLLM) and the Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. The LINK team researches, publishes, teaches and advises on the myriad dimensions of the African digital knowledge economy.

About Us

The Centre’s work focuses on themes of economic and societal change in the paradigm of knowledge-based network economies evolving through digital innovation. LINK's core research themes are: digital innovation and transformation; governance, policy and regulation for the digital era; cybersecurity thinking and analytical frameworks; and open approaches to knowledge governance. In addition to its team members' published outputs, the Centre publishes the accredited, open access, peer-reviewed academic journal, The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC). The Centre offers three postgraduate degrees and several short courses, including short courses provided in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
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Research Themes

Digital Innovation and Transformation

Governance, Policy and Regulation for Digital Era

Cybersecurity Thinking and Analytical Frameworks

Open Approaches to Knowledge Governance

The African Journal of Information and Communication

Published by the LINK Centre, AJIC focuses on dimensions of digital, electronic and physical ecosystems that facilitate information, communication, innovation and transformation in African settings and in the broader Global South.

The Electronic Communications Law Digest is a free service provided by LINK Centre Honorary Adjunct Professor and specialist lawyer Justine Limpitlaw.

Short Courses

Governance of Generative AI and other Emerging Technologies in the Creative Sectors

An online ITU course, 15 September to 17 October 2025, provided by LINK in its capacity as an ITU Academy Training Centre.

PhD and Master's Degrees

PhD in Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies

The LINK Centre's PhD degree programme, for candidates who wish to conduct intensive research into a facet of the African digital knowledge economy.

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Digital Knowledge Economy Studies

A degree for candidates seeking a dissertation-only Master's via research into a facet of the African digital knowledge economy.

Master of Arts in ICT Policy and Regulation

A LINK Master's degree, comprising four coursework modules and a 50% research report, that provides focus on policy-regulatory dimensions of technology deployments in African settings.

Partners

Setswana for “new beginnings”, Tshimologong catalyses the transformation of Braamfontein into a premier technology destination to raise the profile of African digital innovation.

African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI) is an Inter-Governmental Organisation established to develop human capacity in ICTs (included herein is training, consultancy and research).

A private, global research university, Carnegie Mellon stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and sets its own course.

The ITU Academy brings together under one umbrella a wide range of training activities and knowledge resources in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital development.

EVIsights is committed to building an inclusive, just and equitable world supporting transformative change that benefits people and the planet.

The Open AIR network is focused on research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge mobilisation on pathways to sustainable development through open collaborative innovation. It aims to develop better understanding of African innovation contexts; to foster better laws, policies and regulations; and to support better practice.

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