On December 15, 2025, Rwanda officially launched the Rwanda Biotech Capacity Building (BioCap) Project, a national initiative designed to strengthen the country’s scientific capacity to develop improved potato, cassava, and banana varieties. Led by the International Potato Center (CIP) in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the launch convened a broad coalition of stakeholders committed to advancing the development, regulatory approval, and adoption of biotechnology-enhanced crops. Other partners in the project include the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Michigan State University, and the Alliance for Science Rwanda. BioCap positions Rwanda as a hub for safe, climate-smart biotechnology in Africa, complementing the country’s climate adaptation strategy by empowering local scientists, strengthening regulatory systems, and delivering improved crop varieties to farmers.
Officially launching the project on behalf of the Government of Rwanda Dr. Solange Uwituze, Minister of State for Agriculture framed BioCap as an initiative firmly rooted in the public interest. The minister noted that the project is ultimately about ensuring that Rwandan farmers have access to better, safer, and more resilient crops, and that families can rely on food that is sufficient, nutritious, and affordable. In the face of climate pressures and global shocks, he reaffirmed Rwanda’s determination to place science in the service of its people.
“Today’s launch is for the people of Rwanda. It is about ensuring that our farmers have access to better, safer, and more resilient crops, and that our families can rely on food that is sufficient, nutritious, and affordable. By strengthening national capacity in agricultural biotechnology, this initiative places science in the service of the public good supporting livelihoods, protecting the environment, and building a more food-secure future for Rwanda” ~ Dr. Solange Uwituze, Minister of State for Agriculture.
The launch brought together senior government officials, scientists, development partners, and donors, underscoring the collaborative foundation of the project. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) , International Potato Center (CIP), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Michigan State University, and the Alliance for Science Rwanda, among others.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Simon Heck, Director General of CIP, affirmed that the launch reflects the depth and continuity of Rwanda’s long-standing partnership with international agricultural research. He recalled that CIP’s collaboration with Rwanda began in 1978, when the center was invited to support the National Potato Improvement Program. Over the past 47 years, this collaboration has evolved into a trusted alliance involving Rwandan scientists, research institutions, universities, enterprises, and farmers, formalized through a Host Country Agreement signed in 2015. He described Rwanda as a regional and increasingly global leader in science, innovation, and biotechnology, noting that BioCap exemplifies the country’s commitment to nationally led, responsibly governed biotechnology systems that deliver tangible benefits for farmers, the environment, and regional food systems.
The BioCap Project comes at a critical moment as Africa faces intensifying climate pressures, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen regional scientific capacity. In her remarks, Joyce Maru, Regional Director for Africa, CIP, positioned BioCap as a collective commitment to move from regional ambition to global action driven by strong partnerships and locally led innovation. She emphasized that BioCap’s vision extends well beyond Rwanda’s borders, with the potential to deliver shared benefits for farmers, researchers, and food systems across the continent.
The launch marked a clear transition from shared vision to concrete action. With detailed work planning and targeted investments now underway, BioCap will focus on upgrading infrastructure and equipment particularly with the aim of establishing a Center of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology at RAB Rubona. Lawrence Kent, representing the Gates Foundation, expressed optimism that BioCap would serve as a model for similar national programs across Africa. He highlighted that the project demonstrates what is possible when strong national leadership is matched with long-term partnerships and a clear commitment to science for impact.
Potato, the country’s second most consumed crop, suffers heavy losses from late blight, often forcing farmers into costly and environmentally harmful cycles of fungicide use. Cassava, a backbone of rural food security, has been severely affected by Cassava Brown Streak Disease and Cassava Mosaic Disease, with yield losses reaching up to 80 percent. Banana, Rwanda’s most important staple crop, remains under constant threat from Banana Xanthomonas Wilt and Fusarium Wilt.
According to the BioCap Project Lead Dr. Eric Magembe of CIP, through BioCap, Rwandan scientists will receive advanced training in genetic transformation, gene-editing technologies, advanced breeding and molecular pathology enabling the development of disease-resistant varieties that are both farmer-preferred and climate resilient. Beyond crop improvement, BioCap represents a strategic economic and environmental investment.
“By reducing dependence on fungicides, stabilizing yields, and strengthening value chains, the project is expected to lower production costs, increase farmer incomes, and enhance Rwanda’s competitiveness in regional markets. Reduced chemical use will also deliver environmental benefits, including cleaner soils and waterways, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and stronger biodiversity conservation outcomes closely aligned with Rwanda’s national climate adaptation goals.” – Dr. Eric Magembe- BioCap Project Lead, CIP
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro. Ag. Director General, RAB reaffirmed the institution’s full support for BioCap’s implementation. She emphasized that science and technology are central to accelerating agricultural research and innovation in Rwanda and highlighted the importance of collaboration in translating research into tangible impact for farmers and food systems.
As the BioCap Project moves from launch to implementation, it stands as a transformational moment in Rwanda’s agricultural journey. By empowering local scientists, strengthening regulatory systems, and delivering improved crop varieties to farmers. BioCap is shaping Rwanda’s future as a hub of safe, responsible, and climate-smart biotechnology benefiting not only the country, but the wider region and continent.
“BioCap represents a new kind of agricultural revolution one that boosts yields, cuts losses and pesticide use, strengthens competitiveness, and raises farmer incomes through science-driven solutions,” affirmed Dr. Hugo Campos, Deputy Director General, CIP.
