Rwanda’s bioeconomy will be reshaped as part of a groundbreaking partnership and project announced by UVU Bio that will pave the way for innovation, sustainable growth, and the creation of new jobs.
UVU Bio, which is a member of the UVU Africa Group and was formerly known as the Cape IT Initiative, is committed to fostering the bioeconomy in Africa through creative solutions, business acceleration, and skill building.
With a dedication to sustainability, UVU Bio collaborates with numerous stakeholders to promote entrepreneurship, propel economic growth, and generate jobs in the area. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), it has established a strategic partnership with the University of Rwanda, the Rwandan Ministry of Education, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to begin an innovative project in Rwanda.
“Our journey with the bioeconomy in Southern Africa has shown us that collaboration is the basis of progress. This partnership signifies our commitment to nurturing innovation, accelerating business growth, and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we can drive Rwanda’s bioeconomy to unprecedented heights,” said Dheepak Maharajh, executive director of UVU Bio.
The Rwandan Bioeconomy Skills Development and Acceleration Center’s establishment aims to upskill people with specialized skills that are crucial for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Aspiring professionals can stimulate innovation and promote economic growth if they have access to top-notch training programs and lab facilities.
Youth are better suited to meet the changing needs of the bioeconomy thanks to the skills development program. The project gives people the skills they need to succeed in the changing market environment by honing industry-specific skills.
While this is going on, a business acceleration program equips startups and business owners with workshops, mentorship, and technical support, advancing creative ideas closer to commercial viability. The project helps ideas become successful businesses by opening up access to laboratory infrastructure.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress and development. This collaboration between UVU Bio, the Ministry of Education of Rwanda, the University of Rwanda, and GIZ marks a transformative step towards equipping our youth with the skills and knowledge needed to shape Rwanda’s bioeconomy future. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through this initiative, we are preparing our young generation to lead Rwanda’s journey towards sustainable growth and prosperity,” said Claudette Irere, minister of state for education in Rwanda.
