The University of Rwanda (UR) has unveiled plans to utilize research conducted across its colleges to address key challenges in the country’s business sector and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a two-day international conference on Research for Business Development in Africa, held in Kigali from October 30 to 31, 2025, Dr. Joseph Nkurunziza, Principal of the UR College of Business and Economics, said the university is committed to turning academic findings into practical solutions that contribute to Rwanda’s economic transformation.
The conference was organized by UR in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Africa Electronic Trade Group, an organization that promotes digital technology to enhance trade across African countries.
Dr. Nkurunziza stressed that effective research should address real-world problems rather than remain confined to academic publications. “A researcher works to solve a problem. We no longer want our research to remain on paper or in books where no one reads it,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that research findings and student innovations are applied to strengthen Rwanda’s business environment.”
He explained that the university is working to connect students with industries, enabling them to apply their knowledge and foster entrepreneurship among graduates.
During the conference, both current students and alumni showcased innovative business projects and research-driven solutions.
Dr. Alex Kabayiza, Senior Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), described the event as an important opportunity for students to present their work to investors, researchers, and private sector stakeholders.
He said Rwanda’s business growth will depend on the extent to which university research is translated into practice. “Universities are centers of innovation and knowledge creation. What we need now is to align academic research with the realities of the business world,” Dr. Kabayiza noted.
He emphasized that research should not end in publications but should empower students to implement their ideas, create jobs, and drive national development.
Dr. Kabayiza also urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, aligning with Rwanda’s goal of creating 1.25 million jobs over the next five years averaging 250,000 new jobs each year.
Among those embodying this vision is Nshimiyimana Noel Ernest, a UR alumnus who founded a small food-processing enterprise specializing in cereal-based flour.
He said his idea emerged from research on child malnutrition conducted while studying at UR’s Musanze campus. “It was challenging at first due to limited capital, but I refused to give up,” Nshimiyimana said. “Today, my company is valued at about Rwf 4 million and produces roughly one ton of porridge flour per day, which we supply to shops nationwide.”
The initiative reflects the University of Rwanda’s broader mission to transform academic research into tangible solutions that support the country’s economic and social progress.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
