The Institute of Applied Sciences of Ruhengeri (INES Ruhengeri) in Rwanda and the Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) in Sweden have formalised a new partnership aimed at strengthening academic, research and institutional cooperation between the two institutions.

The partnership is established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INES Ruhengeri and BTH, creating a framework for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including education, research, knowledge exchange and international cooperation.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will explore opportunities for the exchange of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, as well as exchanges of academic and research staff.

The partnership also provides for cooperation on joint research programmes and projects, as well as the exchange of research findings, publications and other academic materials. These activities are intended to facilitate greater collaboration between researchers and create opportunities for joint knowledge production.

The two institutions may also collaborate in organising conferences, seminars, special courses, training programmes and workshops, while facilitating the participation of their academic communities in areas of shared interest.

The agreement represents an opportunity to deepen connections between Rwanda's higher education and research ecosystem and Sweden's expertise in technology, innovation and applied research.

The partnership adds to the growing range of institutional and people-to-people connections between Rwanda and Sweden. It demonstrates the potential for cooperation that extends beyond traditional development partnerships towards knowledge exchange, innovation, research and skills development.