Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Bénin, Explores Potential Collaboration with INES-Ruhengeri

On 24th Setember 2024, INES-Ruhengeri welcomed a distinguished delegation from l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin, marking the beginning of an exploration into potential areas of collaboration. The visit brought together prominent academic leaders from UAC, one of Benin’s premier universities, with the aim of identifying mutually beneficial opportunities in education, research, and applied sciences.

The delegation was led by:

1. Prof. MAMA Daouda, Director of the Institut National de l'Eau (INE) and Coordinator of the Centre d'Excellence d'Afrique pour l'Eau et l'Assainissement (C2EA), UAC.
2. Prof. Guy Alain ALITONOU, Director of the École Polytechnique d'Abomey-Calavi (EPAC) and Coordinator of the Collège d'Ingénieur en Energie, Infrastructures de Transport et Environnement (CoE-EIE), UAC.
3. Prof. Carlos OGOUYANDJOU, Director of the Institut de Mathématiques et de Sciences Physiques (IMSP) and Deputy Coordinator of the Centre d'Excellence d'Afrique pour les Sciences Mathématiques Informatique et Applications (CEA-SMIA), UAC.

These leaders were accompanied by members of their research and evaluation teams, who play crucial roles in developing UAC’s Centers of Excellence. Their visit aimed to discuss and explore areas where their expertise could align with the mission of INES-Ruhengeri.

The discussions during this visit focused on exploring key areas where the two institutions could collaborate. Given the expertise of the UAC delegation in areas like water management, energy infrastructure, and mathematical sciences, several potential areas of collaboration were identified.

Both INES-Ruhengeri and UAC share a common vision of using applied sciences to drive sustainable development in Africa. This potential partnership would not only enhance the academic and research capabilities of both institutions but also contribute to the broader goal of addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by African nations.

While this visit represents the initial step in exploring collaboration, both parties expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities ahead. The next steps involve formalizing the partnership through Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), identifying specific joint projects, and establishing a framework for academic exchanges.

This collaboration holds great promise in strengthening ties between African academic institutions and fostering a culture of innovation that will benefit both Rwanda and Benin.