Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that India is ready to deepen its engagement with Rwanda in emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems and next-generation sectors, including AI, biotechnology, and nuclear energy. The Minister said this while holding a bilateral meeting with the Minister of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, Paula Ingabire, in New Delhi.

He added that India’s engagement with African nations in science and technology has steadily expanded under the India-Africa Forum Summit framework. Dr Singh lauded Rwanda’s selection as the first country to implement the Technology Transfer Programme for Africa and also appreciated the India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme, which has served as a model for similar collaborations across the continent.

The Minister further highlighted that the country today hosts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, which has become a major driver of economic growth and employment generation.

On the occasion, the Rwanda delegation conveyed interest in strengthening collaboration in AI, health technologies, life sciences, energy, and innovation ecosystems. Minister Paula Ingabire spoke about Rwanda’s efforts to position itself as a Pan-African technology and innovation hub, anchored around initiatives such as Kigali Innovation City and the AI Scaling Hub supported by global partners.

The Ministry of Science and Technology informed that during the meeting, both sides discussed the possibility of connecting Indian innovation hubs, incubators, and startups with their counterparts in Rwanda for mentoring, training, and joint research.

Both sides also expressed confidence that science, technology, and innovation can become a key pillar of the next phase of the India-Rwanda partnership. During the meeting, it was also discussed that a draft Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation has been shared by Rwanda through the Ministry of External Affairs.