The University of Kigali (UoK), in partnership with the University of Derby (UK), held a high-level Research Showcase aimed at enhancing collaboration, strengthening research excellence, and promoting Africa-led knowledge generation. This joint showcase focused on African-led innovation brought together scholars from both institutions, reaffirming a shared commitment to creating impactful, inclusive, and globally competitive research.
The showcase forms part of UoK’s broader strategy to expand research outputs, deepen academic partnerships, and accelerate institutional capacity through targeted collaboration with international universities. The University of Derby known for its strong applied research serves as a strategic partner in advancing these goals.
UoK & University of Derby Host Joint Research Showcase on African-Led Innovation
The Showcase whose Keynote was Professor Chrispas Nyombi, a Professor of International Commercial Law at University of Derby, was organized by Dr Ronald Kwena, the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise, in collaboration with Alex Phillips, the Research Development Manager; University of Derby Research & Knowledge Exchange Office.
UoK & University of Derby Host Joint Research Showcase on African-Led Innovation
The event was designed around four core objectives:
- To highlight priority research areas at the University of Kigali where collaboration with the University of Derby is sought. UoK presented thematic areas aligned to national and continental development priorities, demonstrating where joint expertise can create high-impact outcomes.
- To explore opportunities for joint research projects, funding applications, and technical partnership development. The showcase opened pathways for co-authored research, multi-institution grant proposals, and shared technical resources—critical for scaling African research initiatives and showcasing innovation led by Africans.
- To connect researchers across both institutions and strengthen long-term, equitable collaborations. By fostering direct engagement between academics, the event laid a foundation for sustained partnerships built on mutual benefit and academic integrity.
- To support the aims of the African Research Network (ARN) in building inclusive, impactful research partnerships. The showcase aligns with ARN’s continental mission to enhance Africa’s research ecosystems through collaboration, mobility, and knowledge exchange.
Five University of Kigali researchers presented groundbreaking studies across priority disciplines shaping Africa’s development future. Their work demonstrated UoK’s growing research strength and its relevance to global challenges. This includes fostering innovation within Africa through these joint initiatives.
UoK & University of Derby Host Joint Research Showcase on African-Led Innovation
Dr Ronald Kwena (PhD Project Management): Circular Economy Projects and their Impact on Conservation Programs; Dr. Kwena’s research highlighted how circular economy (CE) practices contribute to environmental sustainability and conservation. Through case evidence, he demonstrated that well-designed CE projects reduce waste, protect biodiversity, and create green jobs—presenting Rwanda as a leading example of sustainable development in Africa.
Dr Martin Gachukia (PhD Supply Chain Management): Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential: Building Resilient Maritime Corridors for Economic Growth; Dr. Gachukia explored Africa’s logistical challenges and the need for resilient maritime corridors to support AfCFTA objectives. His presentation emphasized how efficient port systems, regional integration, and technology-driven logistics can significantly reduce trade costs and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
Dr Emmanuel Bugingo (PhD Computer Science): Applications of Machine Learning and AI for Enhancing Educational Processes and Outcomes; Dr. Bugingo demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in modernizing education. From predictive analytics to intelligent tutoring systems, his work showcased data-driven approaches that can improve learning outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making within educational institutions.
Dr Laura Lisita (Law): Children’s Rights in the Digital Age of Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Protection, Participation, and Privacy Online; Dr. Lisita brought attention to critical digital rights issues affecting children in the age of AI. She analyzed emerging legal and ethical challenges—including privacy risks, data governance, and algorithmic bias—while proposing frameworks to ensure children’s protection and meaningful participation online.
Dr Elizabeth Owino: Learners’ Perspectives of Characteristics of Effective Open Distance Education Instructors: The Case of Namibia; Dr. Owino presented findings on ODE learners’ expectations, highlighting instructor competencies that enhance student engagement, satisfaction, and academic success. Her work is vital for universities expanding digital and blended learning models across Africa.
Representatives from UoK and the University of Derby reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepening academic cooperation through:
- Joint publications
- Co-supervised postgraduate research
- Collaborative grants and funded projects
- Exchange of expertise and research mentorship
- Development of thematic research hubs
This partnership also strengthens Rwanda’s role in continental research networks, contributing to knowledge ecosystems that promote Africa-led solutions and innovation.
The showcase directly advances the University of Kigali’s Strategic Plan (2025–2025), which prioritizes research output, innovation, and global engagement. By aligning institutional strengths with international partners and the African Research Network, UoK is positioning itself as a leader in applied, high-impact African research.
As the event concluded, participants praised the University of Kigali for championing collaborative, forward-thinking research that reflects Africa’s development ambitions. The joint effort between UoK and University of Derby in this showcase served not only as a platform for sharing knowledge but also as a catalyst for long-term partnerships that will shape the future of academic excellence across the continent.
Circular Economy Projects a n d t h e i r I m p a c t o n Conservation Programs
https://uok.ac.rw/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/202511_ARNKigaliShowcase.pdf
