Prior to being selected as one nodes of Regional AI Nodes Network of University, the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (UR-CST) has been nominated as Rwanda’s representative in the Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building (AICDN), a landmark international initiative established with the support of the United Nations to advance artificial intelligence (AI) capacity across the globe.

The nomination places UR-CST among leading institutions from 19 countries and international organizations selected to collaborate in strengthening global AI education, research, innovation, and policy development. The Network was officially launched in Geneva, Switzerland, on 5th July 2026.

The Global AI Capacity Development Network was established to help bridge the growing global AI divide by facilitating cooperation among universities, governments, industry, and international organizations.

Through coordinated in-kind contributions, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives, the Network seeks to ensure that countries, particularly those with emerging AI ecosystems, have access to the skills, infrastructure, and partnerships needed to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable development.

As Rwanda’s nominated institution, UR-CST will contribute to and benefit from international collaborations that promote AI capacity development. These include coordinated academic programmes, harmonized curricula, student and researcher exchanges, joint summer schools, internships, AI policy development, and collaborative research initiatives.

The Network also promotes open science through the sharing of datasets, open-source software, AI models, and evaluation methods,



enabling members to accelerate innovation while fostering transparency and responsible AI development.

The nomination reflects the University of Rwanda’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and advanced technology research. Through its academic programmes and research centres, including the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), the Transformative Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Lab (TAIRI), Drone skills and Knowledge hub, the University has made significant investments in AI education, machine learning, Internet of Things technologies.

Membership in the Global Network presents current opportunities for UR researchers, academic staff, and students to engage in international research collaborations, access global expertise, contribute to AI governance discussions, and participate in initiatives designed to strengthen AI capacity worldwide.

It also reinforces Rwanda’s vision of becoming a regional hub for science, technology, and innovation while supporting national and continental digital transformation agendas.

The AICDN has identified three priority areas for its initial implementation: a coordinated international AI training programme, an education programme covering AI ethics and policy for different audiences, and the development of a blueprint to guide the establishment of AI Centres of Excellence in countries seeking to strengthen their AI capabilities.

UR-CST’s participation in these initiatives is expected to enhance the University’s contribution to responsible AI development and capacity building both in Rwanda and across Africa.

The Network is supported by the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET)

More details on the Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building can be found on this link

Signing of cooperation framework

📌 UR’s CST nominated to the Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building (Regional Municipality of York)
🏢 UR TAIRI LAB
📍 Regional Municipality of York