About Us

About FIRAT

Welcome to Foresight Institute of Research and Translation.

000 +

Lives Impacted

Research and innovation for a brighter future

Welcome to the Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT), a pioneering private research institution dedicated to driving positive transformation across Africa.

To lead private sector research institution and initiatives contributing to development in Rwanda by 2028

We contribute to national socioeconomic transformation agenda by using best practices and innovative strategies to promote research and translation, develop capacities and support creativity in key sectors that accelerate Rwanda and Africa’s development.

At FIRAT, we are dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research, translating innovative findings into real-world solutions, and fostering innovation across diverse disciplines.

Our mission is to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria, Rwanda, and African nations, empowering communities and shaping a brighter future through knowledge, collaboration, and transformative impact.

Our Vision

To lead private sector research institution and initiatives contributing to development in Rwanda by 2028

Our Mission

Who We Are

At FIRAT, we are dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research, translating innovative findings into real-world solutions, and fostering innovation across diverse disciplines.

Brief History

The activities started in June 2018 with three members of staff; the Director General and two young Master’s degree holders as members of staff. These staff concentrated on building the foundation and frameworks for operations. They also define communities of focus for the institutes’ research efforts and services. These efforts focused on attracting junior and mid-career scientists as well as students.

A remarkable progress was made in the promotion of research and translation among higher education institution staff and students through the organization of the 1st National Undergraduate Research Conference (NUSReC) in Nigeria in 2019.

The Institutes’ activities have covered significant areas like health, economy, environment, and agriculture. The efforts at promoting solutions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were notable. Among the activities executed include formation of Research Cloud for Scientists, Students Research Group and International Campus Ambassador for Research Enterprise (I-CARE) for research promotion, Translation of CashTelex, a project on digitalization of assets for financial inclusion of all Africans.

Governance

A Governing Board exists to oversee the activities of FIRAT. This is headed by Dr. Drissa Toure, and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota. Other members are Dr. Marta Vicente Crespo from the African Population Health and Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya and Dr. Lanre Moshood Omotayo from Hospice and Palliative Centre, Buffalo, USA. With the Branch office in Rwanda, the governing board has increased in size. The new members that joined the board are

Dr. Raphael Rurangwa, Consultant- IFAD, Rwanda.
Dr. Liliane Umutesi, DVC- University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies.
Dr. Abdullah Baguma, African Leadership University (ALU), Rwanda.
Prof. Yinka Aboaba, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Dr. Ibrahim Musobo IM International Consulting Group Ltd, Rwanda.
Dr. Sobur Badmos, University of Texas, USA

Operation

FIRAT has research and training divisions that house interconnected disciplines with the intent to optimize cross-talking and sharing, problem-solving, and evolving novel strategies to scale up the development of the people and their community.

It partners with institutions (government and non-government) organizations that have strong inclination for capacity building, research, and innovations for development agenda.

Activities

In pursuit of its vision of a happy people and a happy nation in Africa, FIRAT has established its first country office in Rwanda. This marks the commencement of phase 2 of the organization’s establishment program. The Rwanda office will serve as the headquarters for all FIRAT activities in the country, aligning with the objectives approved by the Rwanda Development Board in certificate of registration number 120814449 under the Company Act 2013.

All activities of the head office will be carried out in the new office and activities as approved by the Rwanda Development Board in the certificate of registration (number 120814449 under the Company Act 2013 ).

To achieve the vision, mission and objectives of FIRAT- Rwanda office, the following strategic pillars guide its activities:

Knowledge creation lead
Teaching, Learning and Inspirational lead
Technological, Innovation Management, and Translation lead
Accelerated Socioeconomic transformation opportunities lead
Development Ecosystem lead

These are operated through the following broad focuses:.

Research promotion and awareness
Capacity building projects
Collaboration/ networking
Consultancy Services

Objectives

To promote research and translation of research findings for development in Rwanda.
To develop critical productive capacity to support facilities for growing and accelerating key sector programmes.
To engage students, scientists, technology experts and relevant stakeholders in creative research and productivity.
To deploy innovative strategies in support of food security, healthcare and technology use adoption.
To promote and produce made in Rwanda products for export economy.
To offer professional and consultancy services that promote research, learning and translation.
To establish collaborations and networks with relevant government agencies and organizations sharing similar aspirations and goals.

Brief History

Governance

Dr. Raphael Rurangwa, Consultant- IFAD, Rwanda.
Dr. Liliane Umutesi, DVC- University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies.
Dr. Abdullah Baguma, African Leadership University (ALU), Rwanda.
Prof. Yinka Aboaba, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Dr. Ibrahim Musobo IM International Consulting Group Ltd, Rwanda.
Dr. Sobur Badmos, University of Texas, USA

Operation

It partners with institutions (government and non-government) organizations that have strong inclination for capacity building, research, and innovations for development agenda.

Activities

To achieve the vision, mission and objectives of FIRAT- Rwanda office, the following strategic pillars guide its activities:

Knowledge creation lead
Teaching, Learning and Inspirational lead
Technological, Innovation Management, and Translation lead
Accelerated Socioeconomic transformation opportunities lead
Development Ecosystem lead

These are operated through the following broad focuses:.

Research promotion and awareness
Capacity building projects
Collaboration/ networking
Consultancy Services

Objectives

To promote research and translation of research findings for development in Rwanda.
To develop critical productive capacity to support facilities for growing and accelerating key sector programmes.
To engage students, scientists, technology experts and relevant stakeholders in creative research and productivity.
To deploy innovative strategies in support of food security, healthcare and technology use adoption.
To promote and produce made in Rwanda products for export economy.
To offer professional and consultancy services that promote research, learning and translation.
To establish collaborations and networks with relevant government agencies and organizations sharing similar aspirations and goals.

Research

Why FIRAT

The world today is experiencing a rapid rebirth of what it used to know of health, education, and development concerns. As connected devices proliferate with 25 billion devices connected to the internet of things, the world’s growing population is becoming more connected. The amount of data generated globally is growing at an exponential rate, putting security and privacy at more risk than ever, and more like-minded people are forming groups over and above physical borders.

Technology offers great potential to meet many societal and environmental challenges that hinge on the survival of men, such as energy and food supply, carbon emission, immigration, and the search for greener pastures. The advances are rapidly changing workplace skills requirements. Traditional occupations are gradually becoming redundant and new occupations are emerging.

There is therefore an urgent need to rethink education and redirect research endeavors to fit the sophistication of future jobs with required skills that match the rapid proliferation of new technologies

At FIRAT, we are committed to contributing our quota to the socioeconomic development of nations, Sustainable Development Goals and ‘The Africa We Want’ 2063 Agenda.”.

– Prof Ahmed A. Adedeji, FOUNDER

Our Objectives

To promote research and translation of research findings for development in Rwanda.
To develop critical productive capacity to support facilities for growing and accelerating key sector programmes.
To engage students, scientists, technology experts and relevant stakeholders in creative research and productivity.
To deploy innovative strategies in support of food security, healthcare and technology use adoption.
To promote and produce made in Rwanda products for export economy.
To offer professional and consultancy services that promote research, learning and translation.
To establish collaborations and networks with relevant government agencies and organizations sharing similar aspirations and goals.

Governance and Structure

FIRAT operates with transparency and oversight through a Governing Board led by Dr. Drissa Toure. Our board members, with diverse international backgrounds, bring a wealth of experience from esteemed institutions, ensuring effective governance.

Our Operations

With research and training divisions that foster cross-disciplinary communication, FIRAT optimizes problem-solving and develops novel strategies to uplift communities. We actively partner with both governmental and non-governmental organizations committed to capacity building, research, and innovations for sustainable development.

Our Web Presence

Explore our digital footprint at www.firat.ng and www.firat.rw to stay connected with our latest initiatives, research findings, and contributions to the African development landscape.

FIRAT in Rwanda

As part of our internationalization agenda, FIRAT established a country office in Rwanda in 2022. This strategic move aligns with our commitment to support the Rwandan government’s Agenda 2050 for socioeconomic transformation. Through this office, we aim to make significant contributions to Rwanda’s progress and serve as a model for similar initiatives across Africa.

The FIRAT Growth Path

Since our inception in June 2018, FIRAT has experienced organic growth, becoming the first private research organization with a multidisciplinary framework. Our journey includes notable achievements such as the 1st National Undergraduate Research Conference in Nigeria and initiatives addressing critical areas like health, economy, environment, and agriculture.

Objectives

Our Objectives

To promote research and translation of research findings for development in Rwanda.
To develop critical productive capacity to support facilities for growing and accelerating key sector programmes.
To engage students, scientists, technology experts and relevant stakeholders in creative research and productivity.
To deploy innovative strategies in support of food security, healthcare and technology use adoption.
To promote and produce made in Rwanda products for export economy.
To offer professional and consultancy services that promote research, learning and translation.
To establish collaborations and networks with relevant government agencies and organizations sharing similar aspirations and goals.

Governance and Structure

Our Operations

Our Web Presence

Explore our digital footprint at www.firat.ng and www.firat.rw to stay connected with our latest initiatives, research findings, and contributions to the African development landscape.

FIRAT in Rwanda

The FIRAT Growth Path