Rwanda is set to digitise its cultural heritage using 3D technology in a bid to preserve historical artefacts and site and make them accessible to people around the world. The initiative, led by Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy in partnership with Global Digital Heritage Inc., seeks to harness digital technologies to preserve Rwanda's cultural heritage and improve access to museums, historical sites and artefacts. Unlike conventional photography, which captures only a single view, 3D technology creates detailed digital replicas that allow users to examine objects and heritage sites from multiple angles. The programme will be implemented progressively across the country’s museums. ALSO READ: Young innovators build digital gateway to Rwanda’s cultural heritage Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, said the institution has traditionally relied on conventional methods of preserving cultural heritage, but these approaches limited the visibility and accessibility of Rwanda's heritage. As Rwanda embraces technology in different sectors, we also realise that cultural heritage preservation should not be left behind. One of the challenges we faced was limited knowledge and inadequate equipment for digital preservation, he said. Masozera said the institution partnered with Global Digital Heritage after recognising its expertise in training and supporting African countries in heritage digitisation. He noted that workers from the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza District received training last year, introducing them to 3D documentation techniques that capture artefacts better what traditional methods could achieve. This technology will strengthen preservation because cultural heritage will now be stored digitally, making it safer from damage while ensuring it is preserved for future generations. It will also make research easier and allow people who cannot visit museums, national parks or caves to experience them virtually, he said. Masozera added that discussions are underway to establish a branch of Global Digital Heritage in Rwanda to support the country's long-term digital heritage efforts. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s 20 newly classified cultural heritage sites Herbert Maschner, president and chief scientist at Global Digital Heritage, said that creating a digital twin of an artefact helps protect fragile collections while expanding public access. Some artefacts are too delicate to be displayed publicly, but by creating a digital copy they can still be viewed on a computer, used in educational programmes or even reproduced with a 3D printer. This allows children to interact with replicas while protecting the original artefacts, he said. He added that the same technology is being applied to the caves in Musanze, some of which are safe for tourists to enter. By creating virtual tours, people can experience these sites digitally, even when it is not safe or possible for the general public to access them physically, he said. Maschner said building local expertise is at the heart of the partnership. We are not interested in taking care of other people's heritage ourselves. We want to empower local people to preserve their own heritage, he said. He explained that, beyond training, the organisation has provided equipment such as a complete museum photogrammetry kit and computers in Huye District to ensure local professionals have the tools needed to continue the work independently. Our goal is to provide long-term support while ensuring that young Rwandans are the ones carrying out the work, he said. Jean Bosco Ngara, one of the professionals trained under the programme, said participants learned how to digitally scan museum collections and accurately document every detail of an artefact. For example, if an artefact such as a spear has a bend that tells part of its history, the scan captures it exactly as it is. That information remains preserved digitally, Ngara said. He noted that digital archives also provide protection against the loss of physical collections in the event of disasters such as fires or conflict, while making research easier for scholars around the world. Peace Umutoni, another trainee, said the programme has expanded her understanding of digital heritage preservation while making museums more accessible to the public. She said digital content, including 3D models, videos and photographs, will make it easier for people, especially children, to learn about traditional objects and understand their cultural significance, even without visiting museums in person.
