Denmark–Rwanda partnership to transform research and innovation at UR

Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, visited UR where he was received by the University’s leadership alongside a high-level delegation from the Embassy of Denmark in Rwanda.
The visit included a walk-and-talk session at the School of Architecture and Built Environment, highlighting UR’s strengths in applied research, sustainable design, and innovation aligned with Rwanda’s national transformation agenda. During the engagement, the Minister interacted with students and staff, commending the University’s project-based learning model and its solutions-driven approach to addressing contemporary development challenges.

Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and his delegation tour Nyarugenge Campus alongside Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas and other UR officials

A key milestone of the visit was the official launch of the DANIDA-funded Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for Land Systems Science project. The initiative has two major components. First, it will strengthen innovation and collaborative learning partnerships through the development of joint academic programs, co-designed courses, and staff and student exchange between UR, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Second, the project will enhance knowledge and skills development by funding full two-year scholarships and semester-long exchange opportunities. Students from UR and the University of KwaZulu-Natal will pursue science education studies at the University of Copenhagen, learning alongside Danish and other international peers.

Hon. Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted that over a ten-year period, the program will create innovative and inspiring engagements, marking the beginning of a strong, long-term partnership built on trust and shared goals.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas encouraged students to demonstrate hard work and fully leverage the partnership’s opportunities, emphasizing that Africa’s youthful generation is ready to contribute meaningfully to global development.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura while delivering his remarks

The project focuses on advancing innovative education and skills training at the intersection of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and Land Systems Science. By equipping African students and researchers with cutting-edge expertise, the initiative aims to support effective responses to global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, land degradation, and dynamic land-use change ; ultimately contributing to sustainable development and improved land management.

Group photo after the meeting