{{Rwanda has signed an agreement establishing the East African Community science and technology commission, a new body that seeks to promote and coordinate technological activities within the bloc’s five partner states.}}
Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania form the EAC bloc with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
According to an agreement signed Tuesday by the government of Rwanda and the EAC Secretariat in Kigali, Rwanda will host the commission and the operations of the new organ are set to commence by July 2014 with a proposed budget of 1.8 million U. S. dollars.
The Headquarters Agreement, establishing the commission, was signed by EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, in the presence of Rwanda EAC affairs minister Jacqueline Muhongayire and officials from EAC Secretariat.
“Investment in science and technology is not a choice; it’s crucial and vital for the region. Technology will play a major role in unlocking the East Africa’s potential,” Sezibera told reporters shortly after signing the agreement.
He stated that the EAC partner countries cannot compete at the international level without (promoting) science and technology because the power of technology has taken root in the most of the developed world and immerging markets.
According to Muhongayire, the commission will serve as the principal advisory organ for the Community in areas of research, develop priority areas for collaboration in science and technology, and facilitate the innovations in technology.
The East African Science and Technology Commission that will be operational from July 1, 2014 with a priority of promoting and coordinating the development, management and application of Science and Technology in the Partner States.
The Science and Technology Commission is one of the EAC institutions as provided for under article 9 of the Treaty establishing East African Community.
It is mandated to develop structures and frameworks, which will strengthen cooperation in Science and Technological advancement within the Partner States.
It is also expected to identify and address major issues of importance to science and society and facilitate interaction among scientists across all disciplines.
The Commission will promote the participation of scientists from Partner States in international scientific endeavors, and provide independent and authoritative advice, which will stimulate constructive dialogue among the scientific community.
In 2012, the International Telecommunication Union report named Rwanda, Bahrain, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia as developing nations with strong dynamic ICT markets because of catching up fast in efforts to bridge the “digital divide.”
To advance ICT growth, Rwanda plans to establish an ICT park that will be a base of technological investments, including training, industries, research and development.
The country has also laid a robust 2,500-km national fiber optic cable that seeks to enhance access to various broadband services and the National Data Center.
To maximize the country’s ICT infrastructure, Rwandan information technology students and fresh graduates are actively engaged in software applications, thanks to kLab innovation center, an open technology hub for IT entrepreneurs.
{Xinhua}
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