Rwanda: Africa-wide science institute launched

By Ivan Nganwa

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Rwanda's president on Monday officially unveiled African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in the capital Kigali to support the educational needs of science students on the continent.

The institute will target science students from across the continent interested in developing scientific and engineering innovations that are well suited to solve underlying problems in Africa.

“Rwanda will work with the continental institute to establish Quantum Leap Africa, the first research center in quantum sciences in Africa,” President Paul Kagame said at the event.

Its founder, South African physicist and millionaire Neil Turok, said that through its “Next Einstein Initiative”, the institute “will enable Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency”.

A one-year master’s program in Mathematical Sciences will be among its central pillars, as the institute seeks to offer relevant science curriculum to the continent, which is lagging behind in science and technology advancement.