The agreements were formalized during a two-day Rwandaâ€"Nordic Business Forum, held in Kigali from April 3 to 4, 2025.
The forum brought together over 100 participants, including 55 delegates from Nordic countries, primarily from Finland (70 percent), Sweden (25 percent), and the remainder from Denmark. Among them were university leaders, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs, many of whom were visiting Rwandaâ€"and Africaâ€"for the first time.
The MoUs cover a wide range of academic and research collaborations. Among the highlights, Malardalen University from Sweden signed an agreement with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Rwanda) to establish an African branch with headquarters in Kigali.
The Catholic University of Rwanda and Seinajoki University from Finland committed to launching a joint Bachelor's program in food processing. Another agreement between the Catholic University of Rwanda and Lab University of Applied Sciences in Finland focuses on strengthening medical education and healthcare research.
Lab University also signed a separate agreement with the University of Rwanda to collaborate in the areas of health sciences and research, while the University of Rwanda and Seinajoki University agreed to work together in science and technology disciplines.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana emphasized the importance of such international collaborations in shaping Rwanda's development agenda.
He noted that education remains the cornerstone of national progress and highlighted the significance of working with countries that have strong educational systems. He thanked the Nordic representatives for making the journey to Rwanda to explore opportunities that will not only benefit Rwanda but also their own institutions and countries.
Beyond academia, the forum also addressed early childhood development, healthcare, and private sector investment.
Campus Company, a Finnish organization specializing in innovative learning methods, signed an MoU with Rwanda's National Child Development Agency (NCDA) to introduce a Finnish-inspired fun learning approach in early childhood development centers across the country. The company also entered into partnerships with the University of Rwanda and the Catholic University of Rwanda to expand teacher training and pedagogical research.
Healthcare innovation also featured prominently. A Swedish-owned health clinic that recently opened a branch in Rwanda aims to improve laboratory diagnostics using modern technology and localized solutions.
Operation Smile â€" Sweden, a longstanding partner in surgical care and medical training, held its board meeting in Kigali during the forum and reaffirmed its commitment to support Rwanda's healthcare sector, especially in training young professionals.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Dr. Diane Gashumba, Rwanda's envoy to the Nordic countries, commended the delegates for taking the time to witness the country's progress firsthand.
She encouraged them to look beyond negative narratives they might have encountered and instead focus on the opportunities for mutual growth. She noted that the partnerships formed during the forum reflect Rwanda's openness to innovation and its commitment to building strong international networks.
Delegates had the opportunity to visit several key Rwandan institutions, including hospitals, laboratories, insurance companies, and universities. They also toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other cultural landmarks.
In addition to professional engagements, they explored some of Rwanda's natural and cultural heritage, including trips to Akagera National Park, Lake Muhazi, Volcanoes National Park, and historical sites in Nyanza, Musanze, and Bugesera.
The forum was organized by the Rwandan Embassy in Sweden, which represents Rwanda in the Nordic region, in collaboration with HillsConnect (a Rwandan-Finnish diaspora-led company), Remode (a Finnish company founded by a Gambian national), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the University of Rwanda, and several local private universities including the Catholic University of Rwanda and INES-Ruhengeri.
Support was also provided by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education from both Rwanda and Finland, and the Swedish Embassy in Rwanda.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
