On June 2, 2020, the Rwandan Cabinet approved a revised national Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy. The policy document, developed by the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) in collaboration with stakeholders, included quantum sciences and quantum technologies among the fields designated for research cluster formation.
Specifically, the policy called for the “formation of research clusters in S&T fields including artificial intelligence (AI), space, cyber security, e-commerce, digital health, biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum sciences, neurosciences, genetic engineering, internet of things (IoT), big data, quantum technologies, photonics” and nuclear technologies. The policy’s overarching vision was to position Rwanda as a globally competitive knowledge-based economy.
Rwanda renewed its commitment to allocating 1% of gross domestic product to research and development by 2024 under the revised policy. Six national priority areas were defined: sustainable energy, food security and modern agriculture, life and health sciences, local production and value addition, digital services products and lifestyles, and resilient environment and climate change. The policy was aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) covering the period 2017 to 2024.