New MoU and Kigali Office Mark Next Phase of Rwanda–Alliance of Biodiversity Collaboration

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) has renewed its long-standing partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the opening of a new country office in Kigali.

The renewed MoU builds on more than a decade of collaboration between the Alliance and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), with a shared commitment to developing sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture (PSTA5), Vision 2050, and national goals to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, described the partnership as “a well-tended field” that continues to yield results season after season.

“Such partnerships that advance science-based solutions are essential,” Dr. Bagabe said. “We celebrate innovations born from co-creation between the Alliance and MINAGRI/RAB, from biofortified beans and vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes to improved banana and cassava practices, honey production, and nutrient-rich porridge, all of which are improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.”

Rwanda has emerged as a leader in food systems governance, introducing a climate-smart agriculture investment plan, a national coordination unit for food systems, and the 3FS financial tracking tool, becoming the first country to report its results during the recent UNFSS+4 in Addis Ababa.

Future priorities under the renewed partnership focus on innovation, financing, and human capital development. The partners plan to develop innovative and blended financing models to overcome funding challenges and accelerate agricultural transformation. Capacity building will also be a key area, with expanded opportunities for MSc and PhD training, as well as investments in upgrading laboratory facilities to support advanced research and innovation.

“Partnership and investment in scientific research for food, nutrition, and climate resilience is an investment in the prosperity of our people and the future of our nation,” Dr. Bagabe concluded.

The collaboration will further emphasize scaling up climate-smart, biofortified bean production to increase yields, improve household nutrition, and boost farmer incomes. Another priority is the promotion of high-yield, disease-resistant banana varieties, aimed at enhancing productivity and strengthening the banana value chain for the benefit of smallholder farmers across Rwanda.

Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Africa Managing Director for the Alliance, said Rwanda’s policy focus and efficiency make it a model partner.

“The likelihood of success is tremendously high when you work in Rwanda,” she noted. “If we pilot something here and it works, chances are it will be adopted across the continent. Rwanda is not just a partner, it is a leader.”

She added, “The key reason we’re here is alignment and to reflect on who we are as The Alliance in Africa and the immense potential we have to drive real transformation on the continent-a collaboration united for impact in Africa.” 

She highlighted the Alliance’s commitment to bean breeding, climate adaptation, and building research capacity, noting that the organization holds the world’s largest bean gene bank in Cali, Colombia, and plans to make genetic resources more accessible to Rwandan scientists through local facilities.

The Alliance’s work in Rwanda has already led to the release of 13 climbing bean varieties, addressing land shortages and improving productivity, nutrition, and incomes. Joint projects with RAB also promote low-carbon value chains, climate-smart enterprises, and innovative agricultural practices, with a goal of benefiting one million Rwandans.

The opening of the Alliance’s new Kigali office is expected to further strengthen research, innovation, and the scaling of climate-smart agricultural solutions across Rwanda and the African continent.