On October 4th, 2016, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Standards Adoption Agreement with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Incorporated), the world’s largest engineering organization with members in over 160 countries. IEEE focuses on advancing the theory and practice of electrical technologies, electronics, computer engineering, computer science, and related technologies. RSB was represented by its then Director General Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe (now Director General of Rwanda Agriculture Board) and IEEE was represented by Mr. Srinkanth Chandrasekaran.

            
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, then RSB Director General and Mr. Srinkanth Chandrasekaran, IEEE Representative signing the MoU

The aim of this partnership is to boost Rwanda key technology sectors including Information Communication Technology (ICT), power and energy, internet connectivity, smart grid, renewable energy, smart cities, and international technical collaboration that is coordinated and efficient in accordance with the country’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II). The partnership is also framed in the Rwanda’s Vision 2020 and the country’s aim to transform its economy into a knowledge-based middle-income country while improving safety, trade and national economic growth.

RSB and IEEE partnership is regarded to complement the country’s efforts to reduce poverty, raise living standards, promote economic growth and stability, create new employment opportunities and will contribute to improving general welfare by inputting in technology standardization and expansion of trade and investment. Also, RSB will benefit capacity building and experience sharing to undertake activities pertaining to the development of standards, conformity assessment and metrology services in the country.

RSB and IEEE partnership cooperation will be beneficial to RSB stakeholders (government institutions, regulators, education system, higher learning institutions, Small and Medium Enterprises, consumers,...) as they will gain through IEEE technology transfer and know how.

IEEE and its members inspire a global community through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.
            
            Group photo at the signing ceremony