On January 16, 2025, the LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, a leading global advocate for sustainable logistics and supply chain education, and the University of Kigali partnership launched a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) seeking to transform logistics and supply chain management in Rwanda by setting up a new benchmark for international collaboration in higher education.
Members present during the launch included Dr Andre Kreie, the Managing Director LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, Dr Julia Kleineidam, Senior Program Manager LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, University of Kigali management; Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation (DVC-IDRI); Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Human Resources (DVCAHR); Director of Research and Innovation (DRI); Head of Department, Procurement and Supply Chain Management and faculty in Procurement Supply Chain Management.
Dr Andre Kreie, the Managing Director LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation emphasized the need for Institutions of higher learning to build capacity and enhance student practical experience in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Dr Julia Kleineidam, Senior Program Manager LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation added that this will enable employability of students.
Speaking at the event, UoK’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof Margaret Oloko emphasized the significance of this partnership, “Collaborating with LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation enables us to elevate the quality and impact of logistics and supply chain management in Rwanda. Together, we are setting the stage for transformative change that aligns with Rwanda’s broader economic development goals.”
LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation operates in six African countries, including Rwanda, and aims to establish sustainable, high-quality LSCM education in low- and middle-income regions. Dr Kwena Ronald, the Director Research and Innovation and Project Manager for the MoU actitives highlighted that the partnership will address critical areas of capacity building, including: Developing and reviewing undergraduate and postgraduate LSCM curricula; Supporting research and innovation in logistics; Facilitating grant proposal development and funding acquisition; Providing international co-supervision for PhD candidates; Organizing conferences, workshops, and guest lectures and Offering professional development through Train-the-Trainer courses.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment to achieving international standards in LSCM education while fostering self-sufficiency for local institutions. With the launch of 2025 activities, UoK and LEARN Logistics are poised to make significant strides in advancing Rwanda’s logistics and supply chain sector.
