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Publication Date (Issue Year)
9-2025
Language
English
Country
Rwanda
Abstract
Rwanda is among the world’s fastest growing economies. GDP growth is expected to maintain momentum at more than 8% in 2025–26, thanks to a recovery in global tourism, new construction projects, and manufacturing activities. 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. Through PASET-Rsif, Rwanda is building 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 23 Rsif funded PhD students (11 nationalities, 35% women). There are 33 Rwandan Rsif PhD students (24% women) and 77 research publications as of 30 June 2025. There are 9 Rsif research and innovation projects in Rwanda. The report turns the spotlight on Rwandan Rsif Scholars and highlights AI and Big Data gains at University of Rwanda. Rwanda is ranking among the top three in Africa for AI utilization.