RWANDA—The University of Rwanda has announced it will set up the Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and E-Health (CEBE) in Kigali Innovation City (KIC), which will open in 2024.
The facility will serve as a hub for leading clinicians and technicians in Rwanda’s healthcare sector and will be the only one of its kind in Africa.
The landmark establishment is the third higher learning facility hosted in KIC, following the African Leadership University (ALU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
KIC is currently located within the environs of the Kigali Special Economic Zone in the Gasabo District.
The CEBE first phase of development will cost an estimated US$19 Million and will be financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the government of Rwanda.
According to Rwanda Development Board (RDB), KIC finalized the designs and assessments of the facility in 2022 and subsequently initiated the contractor acquisition process to pave the way for construction ground-breaking in 2023.
The University of Rwanda has commissioned MASS Design Group to design the center and the facility is expected to serve as a hub for introducing leading clinicians and technicians to Rwanda’s healthcare sector.
The innovative and distinctive facade of the seven-story building draws inspiration from the local craft tradition of imigongo and the historical King’s Crown, incorporating their patterns and designs.
The RDB reiterated the objective of the project is to contribute to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce in biomedical sciences and e-health to fulfill the immediate labor market needs of East Africa.
Furthermore, the project aims to bolster the East African regional integration strategy in science, technology, service delivery, and labor market expansion.
By investing in specialized education and research facilities, the university is creating a supportive environment for students and faculty to explore innovative solutions, conduct cutting-edge research, and contribute to the improvement of healthcare technologies.
The University of Rwanda insists that the establishment of Rwanda’s first Biomedical Engineering University marks a pivotal moment in the country’s pursuit of technological advancement.
Also, this specialized institution will provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates engineering principles with medical sciences.
By bridging the gap between these disciplines, the university aims to produce a new generation of professionals capable of designing and developing cutting-edge medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare solutions.
The Biomedical Engineering University will offer state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and collaborative spaces, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students will have access to hands-on training, enabling them to gain practical skills and experiences that will prepare them for real-world challenges in the healthcare industry.
Rwanda also aims to reduce its reliance on imported medical technologies and devices and this self-sufficiency will not only contribute to improved healthcare delivery but also stimulate economic growth through the creation of new job opportunities and the growth of local industries.
Furthermore, the university’s emphasis on research and innovation will foster an ecosystem that encourages the development of homegrown solutions, leading to advancements in healthcare technology and improved access to quality healthcare for all Rwandans.
The CEBE is one of six projects designated by the East African Community (EAC) to boost the regional cooperation framework to address the disease burden by member states.
The EAC successfully operationalized the following six EAC regional centers of excellence for skills and tertiary education in higher medical and health sciences education, health services, and research.
The centers for excellence are distributed across several countries in Africa. These include a Nephrology and Urology Center in Kenya, a Cardiovascular Health Sciences Center in Tanzania, and an Oncology Center in Uganda.
Additionally, there is Biomedical Engineering, eHealth, and health rehabilitation in Rwanda, vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management also in Rwanda, and finally, a Nutritional Sciences Center in Burundi.
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