The University of Kigali has taken another significant step towards expanding its global academic and research collaborations following a strategic visit by Dr. Ronald Kwena, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise to New Bulgarian University (NBU), Sofia, Bulgaria. The visit was hosted by Prof. Georgi Gochev, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, and focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in research, academic mobility, and postgraduate education.
The visit coincided with the participation of University of Kigali in the Second International Conference Changing Cities: Challenges, Predictions, Perspectives which was held at New Bulgarian University, Sofia (Bulgaria). Mr Aaaron Turamye, Manager, Resource Mobilization participated in the conference.
During the high-level discussions, both institutions agreed to jointly prepare an Erasmus+ Mobility Programme application to facilitate staff and student exchanges between the University of Kigali and New Bulgarian University. The partnership is expected to enhance international learning opportunities, collaborative teaching, research capacity, and intercultural academic experiences for both institutions.
The meeting also resulted in several strategic outcomes aimed at deepening long-term collaboration. Prof. Georgi Gochev accepted an invitation to serve on the Advisory Board of the University of Kigali Journal of Financial and Management Sciences (JFMS), further strengthening the journal’s international academic profile. In addition, New Bulgarian University expressed its commitment to participate in the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) 2027, which will be hosted by the University of Kigali in Rwanda, bringing together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners from across the world. New Bulgarian University has participated in the previous editions of the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development 2025 in Kigali and 2027 in Cape Town.
The two institutions further agreed to collaborate on the University of Kigali’s international research project, "Future Learning and Teaching Modes in Higher Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) Education. Through this collaboration, New Bulgarian University will contribute international perspectives to comparative research on digital transformation, innovation, and future pedagogical approaches in higher education.
Discussions also explored opportunities for postgraduate education and academic development. New Bulgarian University will consider providing scholarship opportunities for University of Kigali staff and students, while the University of Kigali will facilitate the admission of quialified students to New Bulgarian University through strengthened institutional collaboration and negotiated preferential arrangements.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Ronald Kwena noted that the visit reflects the University of Kigali’s commitment to building strategic global partnerships that advance research excellence, internationalization, academic innovation, and sustainable development. The collaboration is expected to generate significant opportunities for joint research, scholarly publications, staff development, student mobility, and international funding.
The University of Kigali continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution for research, innovation, and global academic engagement by establishing partnerships that create lasting value for students, researchers, and society.
