The 12th EDCTP Forum is currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together over 1,200 global health researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world. Running from June 15-20, 2025 at the prestigious Kigali Convention Centre, this biennial conference represents one of the most significant gatherings in African health research and clinical trials [source].
Rwanda at the Heart of Global Health Innovation
As the Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT), we are proud to witness Rwanda’s emergence as a leading hub for global health research partnerships. The Ministry of Health of Rwanda and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre are hosting this landmark event, jointly organized with Global Health EDCTP3 and the EDCTP Association [source]
This year’s theme, “Better Health through Global Research Partnerships,” perfectly aligns with FIRAT’s commitment to research promotion and our mission to advance translational research across Africa [source]
What Makes This Forum Special
The EDCTP (European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership) Forum has evolved over two decades to become the most prominent cross-disease and inter-disciplinary conference focusing on clinical research and capacity strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa [source]
Key highlights of the 2025 Forum include:
- Plenary sessions featuring leading international scientists and policymakers
- Parallel thematic sessions addressing poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases
- Scientific symposia and ‘meet the expert’ sessions
- E-poster exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge research
- Networking opportunities fostering global collaboration
- Workshops and site visits to research centers in Kigali (June 19-20) [source]
Building African Research Leadership
Dr. Michael Makanga, Executive Director of Global Health EDCTP3, emphasized the forum’s significance: “This is an unparalleled opportunity that draws together key stakeholders in Kigali to foster research collaboration, drive innovation and showcase the impact of the EDCTP programmes, while empowering African researchers to lead the field.” [source]
The conference represents the partnership’s commitment to ensuring African researchers take the lead in addressing health challenges affecting their communities—a principle that resonates strongly with FIRAT’s vision for locally-driven research excellence.
Daily Conference Coverage
Stay updated with comprehensive daily coverage of the forum’s proceedings, key presentations, and breakthrough announcements:
| Day | Link to Digest |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Digest – June 16 | Read Digest |
| Day 2 Digest – June 17 | Read Digest |
Research Areas in Focus
The forum addresses critical health challenges including:
- Infectious disease research and clinical trials
- Capacity development for African research institutions
- Regulatory harmonization across African countries
- Innovation in health technologies and interventions
- Community engagement in research processes
- Ethical considerations in global health partnerships [source]
FIRAT’s Commitment to Research Excellence
At FIRAT, we recognize the transformative potential of events like the 12th EDCTP Forum. As Rwanda positions itself as a regional leader in health research, we remain committed to:
- Supporting local researchers in accessing international partnerships
- Promoting evidence-based policy development
- Facilitating knowledge translation from research to practice
- Building sustainable research capacity across institutions
Looking Ahead
The forum continues through June 20, with the final days dedicated to specialized workshops, bilateral meetings, and visits to research facilities across Kigali [source]. These activities provide invaluable opportunities for participants to see Rwanda’s growing research infrastructure firsthand.
Dr. Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, noted: “We are honored to host this prestigious scientific event. Our preparations are in full swing to ensure this forum becomes a landmark, delivering outstanding success and meaningful outcomes.” [source]
Join the Global Health Movement
The 12th EDCTP Forum represents more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for transforming global health through genuine partnerships that put African leadership at the center. As we witness history being made in Kigali, FIRAT remains committed to supporting the research ecosystem that will drive Rwanda’s continued emergence as a hub for health innovation.
Stay connected with our ongoing coverage and analysis of this groundbreaking event as Rwanda demonstrates its readiness to lead the next chapter of global health research partnerships.
The Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT) is dedicated to advancing research excellence and promoting evidence-based solutions across Rwanda and beyond. Learn more about our research promotion initiatives at firat.rw.
- https://www.global-health-edctp3.europa.eu/news-and-events/news/save-date-twelfth-edctp-forum-kigali-rwanda-15-20-june-2025-2024-09-30_en
- https://rbc.gov.rw/wp/save-the-date-twelfth-edctp-forum-in-kigali-rwanda-from-15-to-20-june-2025/
- https://rbc.gov.rw/media/details?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=992&cHash=f3b6220d1e2c110982511bb99db0e6c7
- https://www.smc-alliance.org/events/12th-edctp-forum
- https://rbc.gov.rw/PHSEPR/save-the-date-twelfth-edctp-forum-in-kigali-rwanda-from-15-to-20-june-2025/
- https://www.mmv.org/events/12th-edctp-forum
- https://edctpalumninetwork.org/news/5c47dd1a-468f-4294-8eab-cff1357dc02b
- https://www.edctp.org/news/save-the-date-15-20-june-2025-twelfth-edctp-forum/
- https://365rwanda.com/event/%F0%9F%8C%8D-edctp-forum-2025-advancing-health-through-research-partnerships-in-kigali/
- https://www.global-health-edctp3.europa.eu/news-and-events/events/global-health-edctp3-info-day-2025-2025-02-11_en
