A six-member delegation from the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) has paid a two (2)-day working visit to the Earth Observation, Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC) under the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). The visit enabled the visitors to interact and understudy the operational activities of the centre for the future benefit of their agency. The team comprising engineers and scientists in the public and private sector in Rwanda had the opportunity to deliberate with a team of experts at EORIC on the space research sector.
The team led by the Chief Technology Officer of the Agency, Mr. Georges Kwizera on arrival to UENR paid a courtesy call on the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako at the Council chamber.
The Vice-Chancellor receiving the delegation expressed his happiness for the visit. He noted that the only way Africa can develop is to unite and build the continent. The Vice-Chancellor further said the visit will create an avenue for broader ideas to be exchanged between the University and RSA and the two countries at large. Talking about the areas of collaboration, Prof. Asare-Bediako said UENR has a goal of attaining international recognition hence academic programmes can be implemented for the benefit of both countries. He assured the University’s readiness for a stronger relationship with Rwanda.
Mr. Georges Kwizera on his part appreciated the warm reception of management, saying that, the visit has allowed them to learn from the EORIC, the University and Ghana at large. He added that their visit was timely as the Rwanda Space Agency has recently been instituted and it is highly ambitious to excel in the area of space and earth observation. Mr. Kwizera was of the view that the relationship created with the University would be mutual and not competitive leading to a long-standing collaboration. He assured Management of conveying the possible areas of partnership to the key officials in connection to the visit for onwards consideration.
The Head of EORIC, Dr. Ing. Emmanuel Kwesi Nyantakyi in a statement explained that the Centre is ready to liaise and build with Rwanda in the area of space and earth observation to bridge the gap between the two countries. He mentioned that the Centre is well equipped with the technical expertise needed for training and research purposes. Dr. Nyantakyi further assured that EORIC is available to offer technical advice and training to the RSA in due course.
The Management of EORIC further held a roundtable discussion with the visiting team to deliberate on common grounds of cooperation. They also had the opportunity to tour the Earth Observation Satellite-Direct Broadcast –EOS-DB Ground Station, High-Performance Computing Lab and EUMETCast-GEONETCast Reception Station of the centre.
