Kigali, April 8, 2024 – A workshop focused on the collaboration between academia and the mining industry was officially opened by Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB), and Prof. Didas Kayihura, Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda. This initiative, organized in partnership between Curtin University and the University of Rwanda, aims to explore avenues for enhancing the competitiveness of the mining and petroleum sector through strategic collaboration.

The session provided participants with a platform to share insights on the mining sectors of Rwanda and Australia, identifying valuable lessons that Rwanda can learn as a nascent mining host country. This also offered an analysis of the current state of the mining sector, to establish a joint skills assessment. This foundational work is directed towards informing a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, which will address the identified academic, organizational, and industry-related capacity gaps.

Prof. Kayihura remarked on the significant potential of the mining sector as a contributor to Rwanda's economic expansion, noting the upward trend in mineral export earnings as indicative of untapped opportunities for increased competitiveness.

“At the University of Rwanda, we are proud to have the Sch of Mining and Geology, which plays a vital role in this impressive growth of the Mining Sector,” said Prof.Kayihura.

CEO Kamanzi emphasized the vital role of collaboration between academic institutions and the mining industry in addressing the sector's capacity challenges. He called for a unified approach to transform and elevate the sector's competitiveness, urging the integration of academic programs and professional training that align with the industry's evolving demands. This, he suggested, is essential to ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

He said “Previously you would find people with beautiful theories from universities, but implementation would be a big challenge. So, we look forward to this workshop to address this challenge.”

The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from mining companies and development partners, public institutions, and the academic community, demonstrating a widespread commitment to the development of Rwanda's mining and petroleum sectors.