A multipurpose Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) lab, expected to cost more than $82.4 million (approx. Rwf115 billion), is set to elevate Rwanda's technological and industrial sectors, according to the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA).

It is, among others, in line with responding to local companies’ need for advanced equipment since the use of outdated equipment leads to their low competitiveness, while the Rwandan manufacturing industry is transitioning from simple assembly to basic component production.

It also seeks to address the lack of component production capabilities facing local manufacturing, where, as a result, imported machinery often remains idle after breaking down, waiting for replacement parts to be imported.

On Friday, January 17, the Cabinet approved the ratification of a loan agreement between the government of Rwanda and the Export-import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for the establishment of the Joint STEM Lab.

ALSO READ: STEM inclusion key to Rwanda’s tech journey - ICT Minister

Dubbed "Establishment of Joint STEM Lab,” the project (including equipment) will be carried out at a cost of $82.43 million, including $65.5 million as a loan from KEXIM, and $16.93 million be covered by the government, as per information The New Times received from NIRDA.

The facility, expected to consist of an eight-storey building, will be set up at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (UR-CST), which NIRDA described as a strategic location that aligns with Rwanda’s goal of creating innovation hubs that connect academia, research institutions, and industry.

It will have an estimated 1,377 square metres of floor coverage, and 11,702 square metres of gross floor area. The construction works will last for 48 months from the time the agreement was signed, which is December 4, 2024, as per information from NIRDA. This means the construction is expected to be completed by December 4, 2028.

ALSO READ: Industrialists report growth as Rwanda seeks more manufacturers

NIRDA stated that it has already acquired an 8,576-square-metre plot of land for the project, and the necessary permits have been secured, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificate from the Rwanda Development Board, which has cleared the way for construction activities to begin.

"We are already making significant progress, and we are confident that, with the support of our partners and stakeholders, we will complete the project on time and within budget. Our goal is to create a world-class facility that will drive innovation and technological advancement in Rwanda for years to come,” said Christian Sekomo Birame, the Director General of NIRDA.

The facility focus

The Joint STEM Lab will focus on three core sectors, namely mechatronics, energetics, and industrial software, which Sekomo said will play a crucial role in boosting industrial sectors and ensuring Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have access to the cutting-edge resources they need to thrive on the global stage.

ALSO READ: Varsity scholarships: STEM students are big winners as 21% of applicants miss out

Under energetics, it will focus on technologies related to renewable energy storage, while mechatronics will cover mineral processing; agro-processing machines related technologies; construction related technologies and sensor development .

For industrial software systems, the focus will be on data analytics; programming logic controllers; automation; embedded systems development and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Sekomo, the sectors were specifically selected due to their potential to drive industrial growth and enhance Rwanda's competitiveness in the global marketplace.

"We believe that these sectors have immense potential to transform Rwanda's industrial landscape,” he said.

"The lab will not only provide Rwandan SMEs with the necessary tools for innovation but will also facilitate technology transfer, enabling them to develop and produce high-quality products that meet global standards,” he added.

Sekomo expressed his excitement about the project, saying, "the establishment of the Joint STEM Lab is a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to position Rwanda as a hub for technological innovation not only in Rwanda but in the region.”

"This multi-million-dollar project seeks to foster research and development (R&D), support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and nurture the startup ecosystem in the country. It’s a major step forward in NIRDA’s vision to enhance the country’s industrial and technological competitiveness,” he noted.

The establishment of the lab will significantly enhance the research and development capabilities of Rwanda’s SMEs, NIRDA indicated, adding that through the joint use of equipment, the lab will provide businesses with access to technologies that would otherwise be out of reach due to the high cost of procurement.

This will help SMEs advance in their innovation activities and contribute to the overall industrial growth of the country, it pointed out.

Sekomo observed that the lab would serve as a crucial resource for Rwanda’s growing startup ecosystem, offering incubation services and fostering an environment where new technologies can be developed and commercialised.

"The Joint STEM Lab will be a crucial asset for startups, offering them not only advanced facilities but also essential support in the early stages of their development,” Sekomo emphasised, expressing commitment to creating an environment where innovation is nurtured, and entrepreneurs can scale their ideas into successful ventures.

The project, he said, is a critical component of Rwanda’s broader industrialisation strategy and its Vision 2050, which seeks to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.

"This project is more than just the construction of a physical space. It’s about laying the foundation for a thriving ecosystem of innovation that will drive Rwanda’s industrial and technological future.

By enhancing the capabilities of our SMEs and fostering new technology startups, we will be creating a more competitive economy, one that is better equipped to face global challenges,” Sekomo observed.