Rwanda has taken another step toward strengthening its quality infrastructure and industrial competitiveness with the launch of the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) Quality Academy, a state of the art training and innovation centre established under the Strengthening Industrial Standardisation ICT Capacity (SISIC) project.
The academy, unveiled on Wednesday, June 24, is expected to serve as a national and regional Center of Excellence for standards-related training, certification, and capacity development for quality professionals.
The facility was established through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), under a broader initiative aimed at modernising Rwanda’s National Quality Infrastructure and enhancing the competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Officials said the academy will bridge existing skills gaps in industry by providing specialized training in standardization, metrology, conformity assessment, certification, and quality management systems. Speaking during the event, Raymond Murenzi, the Director General of RSB, said the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional hub for quality services and value-added production.
“By strengthening our National Quality Infrastructure, we aim to propel Rwanda towards becoming a regional hub for high-quality, value-added products,” Murenzi said.
He noted that the academy builds on the country’s efforts to digitalize quality services and improve accessibility for businesses seeking certification and standards support.
“Our goal is to ensure that the services of RSB are delivered promptly and efficiently. This initiative will lead to significant success by enabling SMEs to access standardisation services through digital solutions,” he added.
The new facility Is equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, including digital learning platforms and smart classrooms that will enable professionals and entrepreneurs to access training remotely.
According to RSB, the academy will play a central role in producing certified quality professionals capable of supporting industrial growth and ensuring compliance with international standards. The initiative is expected to improve the quality of locally manufactured products and facilitate access to regional and global markets.
Jinhwa Kim, the Country Director of KOICA Rwanda, said the project reflects the strong development partnership between Rwanda and the Republic of Korea and their shared commitment to innovation and economic transformation.
“KOICA remains committed to supporting Rwanda’s journey towards economic prosperity and sustainable development. The SISIC Project stands as a beacon of our shared commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in Rwanda’s industrial sector,” Kim said.
She added that strengthening RSB’s capabilities in standardisation, testing, certification, and metrology would significantly contribute to Rwanda’s industrial ambitions.
“Rwanda is leading among African countries and we want to contribute to enhancing the capabilities of RSB. If RSB excels in standardisation, testing, certification, and metrology, Rwanda’s industrial competitiveness will surely increase,” she noted.
The SISIC project, valued at approximately $8 million, is being implemented between 2024 and 2028 and focuses on expanding the use of technology in quality service delivery while building institutional and human-resource capacity.
With the launch of the Quality Academy, Rwanda is expected to accelerate the development of a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s industrialization agenda and strengthening its position as a continental leader in quality infrastructure and standards compliance.
