The workshop to design the Master of Science in Biotechnology was organised by the College of Science and Technology of the University of Rwanda in partnership with Enabel’s Kwigira project. Held from 08-12 August 2022, the workshop brought together representatives of different institutions and centers that were involved in the development of this programme to define its implementation as well as entry requirements for the intake.

With this MSc Program, Enabel intends to contribute to Rwanda's Vision 2050 by giving a boost to the field of Biotechnology human capital development. The program is tailored to national needs and societal demands, while improving professional skills in the field.
Enabel, through the Access to quality vaccines, medicines and health technology in Rwanda – KWIGIRA project, funded by the European Union, will contribute to expert skills development through the master’s program in Biotechnology. KWIGIRA project will also assist Rwanda Foods and Drugs Authority (RFDA) to adequately perform its mission to protect public health and to reach and maintain maturity level 3 of WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) to fully regulate pharmaceutical products including vaccines manufacturing in Rwanda.

Speaking to the program development team, Dirk Deprez, the Resident Representative of Enabel in Rwanda said that the Master of Science in Biotechnology is very important as far as expert skills development is concerned.  “Training is paramount in this project to ensure skilled Human Resources. The MSc in Biotechnology will strengthen Rwanda’s ambition in the vaccines, medicines and other bio-products manufacturing thus achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal “Good Health and Well-being”. He stressed.

Kwigira project, the 4-year intervention, started in April 2022. It will strengthen the Rwanda FDA (including regulatory strengthening and policy reforms) and develop the capacity of relevant staff. The project also expects Digital transformation and upgrading of pharmaceutical systems and strengthening of quality control laboratories for efficient, transparent, and accessible information management.