Dr. Julius Ecuru, is Rsif Manager at The Regional Coordination Unit -icipe, has highlighted the positive impact that the 35 Rwandan students who have received RSIF funding to pursue their PhD studies have made on the country’s development. During an exclusive interview with journalists in Kigali, Dr. Ecuru emphasized that the scholarships not only advanced the recipients’ education but also helped contribute significantly to Rwanda’s growth, especially in the fields of technology and innovation.
The event was part of a larger gathering aimed at discussing how Africa can harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data for its development. The conference, under the theme “ICT (Artificial Intelligence and Big Data),” brought together scholars and experts from various countries to discuss how AI has played a transformative role in Africa’s development, particularly in education and research.
Dr Julius Ucuru the Managing Director of RSIF
Dr. Ecuru praised the contributions of Rwandan scholars supported by RSIF, explaining that many of the recipients are leading successful projects and institutions in Rwanda today. Some have gone on to head private firms, others have become researchers, and some serve as faculty members at universities. According to Dr. Ecuru, RSIF’s efforts in funding education have not only empowered individuals but also provided the necessary skills that support Africa’s overall progress.
A key highlight from the event was the emphasis on how artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into various sectors in Rwanda, placing the country in the top three in Africa for AI utilization, behind Mauritius and South Africa. This achievement was highlighted by Prof. Ignace Gatare, the Principal of the College of Science and Technology (CST), formerly KIST, and one of the RSIF alumni. Prof. Gatare shared his insights on how technology education has been central to Rwanda’s rise in the global technological rankings.
Prof Ignace Gaatare the Principal of CST former Alumini of RSIF
Rwanda’s strategic focus on AI is evident in its efforts to continuously adopt and integrate AI solutions across various sectors, which is increasingly recognized in international reports. According to Prof. Gatare, the country’s advancements in AI have been fueled by consistent investment in education and research, alongside the leadership of President Paul Kagame, who has been a key driver in advocating for technology innovation.
Prof. Francis Gatare, another distinguished RSIF alumnus, further elaborated on the role of AI in Rwanda’s growth, noting that the country’s progress in this field is largely due to the vision and commitment of its leadership and academic institutions. As Rwanda’s use of AI continues to expand, it is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the next five years. “The future is promising for Rwanda as AI continues to transform various sectors, improving the quality of services and ensuring faster delivery to the citizens,” said Prof. Gatare in an interview with Rwandanews24.
The RSIF program, which has provided scholarships to nearly 10,000 PhD candidates across Africa, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the continent. Dr. Ecuru highlighted that the support provided to these scholars enables them to acquire world-class skills in fields such as ICT, engineering, and biotechnology. These scholars return to their respective countries with the expertise to spearhead development initiatives and lead projects that contribute to their nations’ growth. It should be the program aims to provide 10,000 phd scholarships. So far we are in cohort 6.
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As of now, 35 Rwandans have benefited from RSIF scholarships and have been instrumental in furthering Rwanda’s position as a regional leader in the field of innovation. These scholars have worked on projects that directly impact key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, helping to drive the country’s digital transformation and economic development.
The collaboration between RSIF and Rwandan scholars exemplifies the power of investing in human capital to drive innovation and development. By equipping young scholars with advanced knowledge, Rwanda is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in Africa. With continued support for educational initiatives like RSIF, Rwanda is on track to continue making remarkable strides in AI, positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation on the continent.
Rsif is the flagship program of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit