Rwanda has sealed a deal with Eni, over agriculture, protection of unique forest ecosystems, technology and health sectors.
The cooperation agreement was inked between Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Health Ministry, National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
On the agriculture side, a pilot project will be developed to produce varieties of seeds for oil crops. This pilot project includes development of the first ‘open-air laboratory’ on the African continent, featuring advanced precision farming techniques to produce quality seeds in Rwanda. Drone technology will also be put in practice soil analysis and crop monitoring.
Hub for innovation
The agreement signed with RDB and a non-profit tech start-up called Rainforest Connection, aims to protect forests and generate carbon credits through the use of cutting-edge technologies in areas with high levels of biodiversity, autonomous drones and acoustic sensors. By using artificial intelligence algorithms, the project experiment will enable the detection of potential threats and respond to alarms with immediately targeted interventions.
The country will further boost the country’s economy through use of ICT and innovation in areas of common interest, from precision agriculture to forest monitoring and health by disseminating technologies and creating synergies with the country’s start-ups.
“The agreements align with Rwanda’s target to be a hub for innovation, and we are glad that ENI is committed to being a partner in this journey,” said Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board (BRD).
Luigi Ciarrocchi, CCUS, Forestry and Agri-Feedstock Director at Eni said: “We will work jointly to develop concrete projects for the country’s decarbonisation, leveraging on a business environment that is ideal to test innovative solutions and agribusiness activities generating high-added value.”
