The Bank Group's contribution includes $24.64 million from the African Development Fund, its concessional lending arm, and an additional $5.21 million from the AfDB. The remaining funds will come from the Government of Rwanda.
The project will expand and upgrade the Centre of Excellence, located in Kigali Innovation City, a growing tech hub in the Rwandan capital. Plans include enhanced academic programs and student training, new laboratories and facilities, advanced equipment procurement, and stronger linkages with the private sector.
Phase II will train 470 students in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation and mobility sciences, and digital health at bachelor's and master's levels, with most beneficiaries coming from Rwanda and other East African Community countries. The project will also provide PhD and post-doctoral training for University of Rwanda staff to ensure high-quality teaching and research.
In addition, the project will support curriculum reform, accreditation, and collaborative research with leading international institutions. Regional integration will be promoted through student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, knowledge-sharing events, and entrepreneurship support programs.
A notable innovation under Phase II is the establishment of a Biomedical Innovation Park, which will allow students, researchers, and private companies to design, test, and produce health technologies tailored to local and regional needs.
The project is expected to benefit the wider community by providing hospitals and clinics with locally trained specialists capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing medical equipment. Expanded access to digital health tools and telemedicine will also make healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural areas.
During its construction phase, the project will create hundreds of temporary jobs, mainly for young people. In the long term, it is expected to stimulate the development of health technology businesses, attract research funding, and create skilled employment opportunities.
'This project will equip our young people with world-class skills while bringing better health services closer to families. It is an investment in talent, innovation, and the wellbeing of our communities,' said Hendrina Doroba, AfDB Manager for Education and Skills Development.
Following approval on January 9, the project will be implemented by the Government of Rwanda through the University of Rwanda and is scheduled to run through 2030. It supports Rwanda's long-term vision of building a knowledge-driven economy and a resilient, inclusive health system.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
