Rwanda and Russia are planning to strengthen cooperation in security, agriculture, trade, investment, healthcare, education, technology and sports as preparations continue for the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, discussed the plans in an interview with Russian news agency TASS on the sidelines of the international forum “North Caucasus: Space of Dialogue, Traditions, and Development.”
Nzabamwita said the two countries should build on their longstanding relationship by pursuing practical initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.
Education and research cooperation are among the areas receiving attention. Rwanda wants more of its students to access opportunities at Russian universities, particularly in medicine, technology and agriculture.
The two countries are also cooperating on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, is supporting Rwanda’s plans to develop a small modular nuclear reactor, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2030.
Rosatom has said it is expanding its international operations, with Rwanda among the countries with which it has agreements to develop nuclear power facilities.
On investment, Nzabamwita identified opportunities for Russian companies in Rwanda, particularly in mineral extraction, fertiliser production and sports infrastructure development.
The third Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28 and 29, 2026, and is expected to provide fresh momentum for cooperation between the two countries.
Nzabamwita confirmed that Rwanda would attend the summit with a high-level delegation.
He added that the two countries were preparing agreements to establish a joint commission on social, economic and political cooperation, alongside other agreements covering various sectors.
The agreements are expected to help implement joint initiatives, expand investment opportunities and further strengthen relations between Rwanda and Russia.
Nzabamwita stressed that both countries should focus on practical cooperation that improves the lives of their citizens.
