University of Rwanda (UR) held the seventh edition of the international conference on mobile communication technology for development.

This was organised through the Africa Centre of Excellence in the Internet of Things (ACEIoT) Rwanda in partnership with Karlstad Business School.

The three-day hybrid meeting was held from April 27 to 29 in Kigali and connected various universities from all over the world and researchers, among others.

It was held under the theme ‘self-speaking,’ and aimed at allowing researcher students and other partners, as well as innovators in this industry to discuss the role of research and knowledge development in the area of mobile technologies.

Ignace Gatare, the Principal of the College of Science and Technology (CST) said that this meeting is important, arguing that it’s essential that researchers understand their role and the potential impact technology can play.  

Panelists during the seventh edition of the international conference on mobile communication technology for development.

"Nowadays mobile technologies are everywhere driving social-economic transformation, and also contributing to growth in economic development,” he said.

He called the meeting a good initiative for availing a platform for discussion between the university, government, and the private sector to enhance the impact of mobile technology for development.

Commenting on the importance of mobile communication use for development, he said it plays a significant role in all sectors such as health and agriculture among others.

"We see mobile technology coming as a solution to increasing the use of technology for development,” he added.

Speaking of expectations, Gatare said that there is hope for more partnerships to emerge from this conference, and also ensure that reflections have an impact on social-economic transformation.

Alexande Lyambabaje, the vice-chancellor of UR pointed out some challenges which still hinder learning and use of technology at UR.

"The first major issue is the availability of IT equipment for instance in this regard for past three years we did not avail the laptops for students so that while learning they see also acquire hands-on experience,” he said

Alexande Lyambabaje, the vice-chancellor of The University of Rwanda delivers remarks during the seventh edition of the international conference on mobile communication technology for development. Courtesy

However, he revealed that together with the government and other respective players, they’re working to fix it anytime soon.

Moreover, he cited internship as a challenge and calls for more support from the private sector.

Among other challenges mentioned in mobile technology use, was information security and access to advanced devices such as phones among others.

Savana Rosette, a master’s student at UR said that any student pursuing technology courses expects a lot from this meeting.

"I am presuming to get experience from others who are in mobile development already, and see how I can use technology also to overcome some challenges in my country as well as learning more among others,” she said.

Jean Aime Ndabahariye, another student at the university disclosed how he has so far put his tech skills to use by developing an application dubbed ‘E-Health’.

Ndabahariye further explained that this application will help in accessing patient information in the health sector.