Rwanda has asked Russia to increase the number of scholarships offered to Rwandan students, as the two countries seek to strengthen cooperation in education.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, made the announcement while attending the third Russia-Africa Summit, which is taking place in Moscow from October 28 to 29, 2026.
Speaking to Radio Rwanda, Nduhungirehe said Russia had awarded 59 scholarships to Rwandan students this year, but Rwanda had requested an additional 100.
“Rwanda and Russia already cooperate in education. This year, 59 students received scholarships to study there, but we have also requested another 100,” he said.
For the past six years, 60 Rwandan students have graduated annually from nuclear science programmes in Russia, bringing the total number of graduates to 360.
Nduhungirehe added that Russia also hosts Rwandans from various professional fields, including healthcare, for training aimed at improving their knowledge and professional skills.
He said mechanisms had been established to monitor the implementation of agreements reached between the two countries, adding that the summit provides an opportunity to assess progress in fulfilling their commitments.
Rwanda and Russia maintain diplomatic relations and cooperate in several sectors, including education, professional training, security, technology, healthcare, energy and culture.
The first Russia-Africa Summit was held in Sochi on October 23–24, 2019, under the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who was chairperson of the African Union (AU) at the time.
President Paul Kagame also attended the summit, which aimed to strengthen political and economic relations, promote trade and establish mechanisms for sustained dialogue between Russia and African countries. During the meeting, Rwanda and Russia signed agreements covering energy, social welfare and mineral extraction.
The second summit took place in Saint Petersburg on July 27–28, 2023. Rwanda’s delegation was led by Dr. Nshuti Manasse, then Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two countries signed cooperation agreements in science and sports.
The third summit is being held in Moscow, with Rwanda’s delegation led by Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva. The meeting provides a platform to review existing cooperation and explore new opportunities to strengthen partnerships between Russia and African countries, including Rwanda.
