Rwanda Country Report 2023

Abstract

Rwanda is among the world’s fastest growing economies with a projected growth in GDP of 8.0% in 2024 according to the African Development Bank. The need for highly skilled human capital is a driver for Rwanda’s Vision 2050. Investing in higher education, research and innovation will enable Rwanda to close the skills gap and contribute to sustainable economic growth and development. Rwanda is one of the nine African countries that are contributing to the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) since 2015. It’s committed contribution is USD 4 million to train Rwandan PhD students in selected African host universities and collaborating with international partner institutions. (Additional students to be recruited in cohort 5 and 6.) Through PASET-Rsif, Rwanda will build strong institutions and future science leaders to drive a science and technology-led growth and development. Rwanda is founding member and current chair of PASET and hosts its Secretariat since July 2023 University of Rwanda, one of the 15 Rsif African Host Universities, is hosting 17 Rsif funded PhD students (10 nationalities, 47% women). There are 22 Rwandan Rsif PhD students (27% women) and 47 research publications to date. There are 7 Rsif research and innovation projects in Rwanda. The report turns the spotlight on Rwandan Rsif Scholars and highlights projects in Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance and how Smart Beehiving Technology can multiply honey production.