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Agriculture & Science
Infrastructure development
Rwanda BioCap Project emphasizes on the role of human capacity development, laboratory infrastructure and stewardship; to ensure a sustained deployment of innovations in crop biotechnology for farmers’ field productivity and environmental stewardship.
“Changing how we grow food and take care of our environment.”
A Sustainable Agriculture for Rwanda
"We don't have time, We need faster and more effective delivery of solutions to our farmers, and we must establish strong partnership models. This is also the time to communicate science effectively to build trust."
— Dr. Joyce Maru, Regional Director - CIP
Biotech Stewardship News
DNA Week
UR-CST and partners marked the third DNA Week with a seminar on biotechnology in agriculture, medicine, and the environment — featuring experts from RBC, RAB, REMA, and BioCAP, and a panel on building Rwanda's next generation of scientists.
Risk Assessment & Stewardship
A two-day workshop in Kigali strengthened scientists' and regulators' understanding of how biotech crop risks are identified, evaluated, and managed — from hazard analysis through to stewardship and field-level safety.
Communication & Advocacy
Communicators, regulators, and scientists examined how to translate complex biotech science into clear, trustworthy public messaging — and how Rwanda's regulatory bodies work together to register and approve new technologies.
Precision Biotechnology
Through the Rwanda BioCap Project, Rwanda is building one of Africa's emerging hubs for gene editing and modern crop biotechnology at RAB's Centre of Excellence — using CRISPR genome editing to protect farmer-preferred banana varieties like Kamaramasenge and Ijangi from devastating diseases while preserving the traits farmers and consumers value most.
Communication & Social Engagement
The Rwanda BioCap Project is placing communication at the heart of responsible biotechnology — combating misinformation, empowering digital voices, reaching farmers through community radio, and using edutainment to build public trust in science.
Regulatory Advocacy
Rwanda's evidence-driven regulatory system — anchored in the Biosafety Law, data transportability, and collaboration among RAB, RICA, REMA, and MINAGRI — is creating the enabling environment for CRISPR-based crop biotechnology to responsibly reach Rwandan farmers.
Farmer Participation
The Rwanda BioCap Project places farmers at the centre of its innovation strategy — listening through Farmer Field Schools and cooperatives to improve trusted varieties like Kinigi potato, Kamaramasenge banana, and farmer-preferred cassava rather than replace them.
Conducive Research Infrastructure
At the heart of the Rwanda BioCap Project is the Center of Excellence in Crop Biotechnology at RAB — bringing DNA sequencing, genome editing, and bioinformatics home to Rwanda and building a regional hub for African scientific leadership.
Regional Impact
The Rwanda BioCap Project is building a nationally led biotechnology model — anchored in the Center of Excellence in Crop Biotechnology at RAB Rubona — that can be tested in Rwanda, strengthened through evidence, and adapted as a replicable, African-led pathway for food security across the continent.
National Seed Congress 2026
The Rwanda BioCap Project showcased how modern crop biotechnology and clean seed systems are advancing Rwanda's next generation of climate-resilient, farmer-preferred crops at the 3rd National Seed Congress.
Published News
Science is the best tool we have to protect our hills and valleys while ensuring no Rwandan goes hungry.
Rwanda BioCap Research Team
Kigali, Rwanda