On May 7th 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic and Research (DVCAR), Prof. Emmanuel Hakizimana delivered welcome remarks at the official opening of the UPLIFT-AG International Conference held at the UR-CAFF Busogo Campus in Musanze.
The three-day international conference brought together approximately 55–60 participants from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Burundi, and Rwanda. The event was dedicated to strengthening university–industry linkages aimed at driving impactful agricultural transformation across regions.
In his remarks, Prof. Hakizimana welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges and enhancing sustainable development outcomes.
University of Rwanda co-hosted the conference alongside UNILAK, with support from the European Union through its funding initiative that promotes international academic cooperation and applied research partnerships.
The conference expected to provide a platform for academics, industry actors, and policymakers to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and build lasting collaborations that support agricultural transformation in Africa and beyond.
UNILAK expressed pride in partnering on this strategic initiative aimed at enhancing practical solutions for agricultural development through stronger academia–industry collaboration.