INSTAL Africa: Building Rwanda’s Scientific Capacity for Sustainable Innovation

Innovation Science and Technology for Action and Learning (INSTAL Africa) is a flagship initiative launched by Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT Rwanda) in collaboration with DrosAfrica (UK) and key national institutions including the University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (FDA), and the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA).

INSTAL Africa aims to build a critical mass of 200 research scientists over five years by strengthening fundamental research capacity in Rwanda, particularly in biomedical and agricultural sciences. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s national vision to become a continental hub for biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and health innovation.

A central pillar of the project is the establishment of Drosophila research laboratories at the University of Rwanda and RBC. With technical support from DrosAfrica and institutional research support in the form of specialized laboratory equipment, these labs will enable cutting-edge research in genetics, drug discovery, toxicology, neuroscience, and disease modeling, using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) as a model organism.

INSTAL Africa is also committed to:

1. Capacity building through structured training and mentorship programs
2. Curriculum integration of fundamental research in Rwandan institutions
3. Early engagement of secondary school students in life sciences research
4. Establishing Rwanda as a regional reference center for fundamental research and innovation

The project is implemented through a coordinated network of the institutional project team. Prof. Ahmed Adedeji will lead the team at the University of Rwanda, where the first National Droosphila Laboratory will be situated.

The following are the representatives of the partnering bodies that have been working on the project for as INSTAL Africa representatives from collaborating institutions

1. Foresight Institute of Research and Translation Rwanda (FIRAT Rwanda) – Kudirat Adedeji
2. Drosophila Research Organization for Africa (DrosAfrica) – Prof. Isabel Palacios
3. National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) – Mr. Benjamin Nabana
4. Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) – Mr. Jean Pierre Musabyimana
5. University of Rwanda (UR) – College of Medicine and Health Sciences – Prof. Belson Rugwizangoga
6. National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) – Mr. Emmanuel Munezero