President Kagame hosts Yonsei University delegation to strengthen Rwanda partnership

The delegation, led by Prof. Dong-Sup Yoon, President of Yonsei University, and Dr. Won-Yong Lee, Executive Vice President for Research Affairs, held talks at Urugwiro Village focusing on academic exchange, research partnerships, and capacity building in education.

The meeting builds on a growing relationship between Rwanda and Yonsei University. In September 2025, the University of Rwanda (UR) and Yonsei University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic exchange, advance research, and foster innovation.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of Yonsei University’s 140th Anniversary Conference by UR Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas and Prof. Dong-Sup Yoon, initially focuses on medical sciences, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“The MoU is a major milestone for the University of Rwanda,” said Prof. Kayihura, noting that it aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to invest in education, skills development, and research infrastructure.

“By collaborating with one of the top three universities in South Korea, we are giving our students and faculty an opportunity to interact with world-class researchers and academics.”

The partnership is expected to open doors for joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and shared innovation initiatives, further strengthening Rwanda’s knowledge economy. Prof. Kayihura emphasized that the collaboration also aligns with UR’s focus on ethical and responsible research, reflecting Yonsei University’s reputation for values-driven technological advancement.

The two institutions have previously collaborated, including a 2024 general cooperation agreement with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education and the honorary doctorate awarded to President Kagame by Yonsei University in recognition of his leadership in transforming Rwanda.

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is one of South Korea’s top private universities, with 158 research centres across multiple campuses, including the main Sinchon campus in Seoul and the International Campus in Songdo. The university continues to engage with Rwandan students and researchers, strengthening ties between the two countries through education, research, and innovation.