Musanze, Rwanda | 14 July 2026

INES-Ruhengeri successfully hosted a one-day research seminar on 14 July 2026 under the theme, "Strengthening Collaborative Research on Rural Governance and Sustainable Livelihoods." The seminar brought together academic staff, researchers, and university leaders to examine the role of collaborative and interdisciplinary research in addressing rural development challenges and advancing sustainable livelihoods.

The seminar formed part of INES-Ruhengeri's ongoing efforts to strengthen its research culture, expand international academic partnerships, and promote evidence-based scholarship that contributes to national, regional, and global development agendas.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Betty Clare Mubangizi from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa, an internationally recognized scholar in public governance and community development. Drawing on her extensive academic and research experience, Professor Mubangizi underscored the growing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in producing impactful research capable of responding to increasingly complex social, economic, and governance challenges.

Professor Betty Clare Mubangizi from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa, was the guest speaker

Throughout her presentation, Professor Mubangizi emphasized that today's development issues require research approaches that transcend disciplinary boundaries and institutional limitations. She highlighted the value of strategic academic partnerships, collaborative research networks, and knowledge exchange in generating innovative, context-specific solutions for rural communities. She further encouraged universities to strengthen research ecosystems that support joint publications, collaborative grant applications, staff and student exchanges, and community-engaged research initiatives capable of influencing policy and practice.

Representing INES-Ruhengeri, Dr. Alfred Mwenedata, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the University's commitment to strengthening research partnerships with international institutions. In his remarks, he emphasized that collaboration between INES-Ruhengeri and the University of KwaZulu-Natal represents a shared vision of promoting high-quality academic research that generates practical solutions for societal challenges.

Dr. Alfred Mwenedata, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration

Dr. Mwenedata noted that universities have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge but also to ensure that research findings translate into tangible social, economic, and policy impact. He observed that collaborative research enhances institutional capacity, promotes academic excellence, and creates opportunities for researchers to address development challenges through multidisciplinary perspectives.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships that facilitate knowledge sharing, joint research projects, academic mobility, and capacity building for both staff and students. Such collaborations, he noted, contribute significantly to producing research that informs decision-making and supports sustainable community development.

An important component of the seminar was the institutional presentations delivered by both partner universities. Participants were introduced to the academic profiles, research priorities, institutional strengths, and international engagement strategies of INES-Ruhengeri and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. These presentations provided valuable insights into existing research capacities while identifying potential areas for future collaboration, including joint research initiatives, postgraduate supervision, staff exchange programmes, and collaborative publications.

The interactive discussions that followed reflected participants' strong interest in expanding research cooperation and building sustainable academic networks capable of addressing pressing governance and development issues affecting rural communities across Africa.

Professors, researchers, university students and other participants showed interest in research collaboration

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions. Participants recognized that sustained partnerships, supported by collaborative research and knowledge exchange, are essential for producing evidence-based solutions that improve governance systems, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.

Hosting this seminar demonstrates INES-Ruhengeri's continued investment in research excellence and international collaboration as central pillars of its institutional mission. By creating platforms that connect scholars, researchers, and development practitioners, the University continues to foster an environment where research serves as a catalyst for innovation, informed public policy, and inclusive societal transformation.

As INES-Ruhengeri continues to expand its research portfolio and global partnerships, initiatives such as this seminar reaffirm the University's commitment to advancing academic excellence while generating knowledge that responds to the evolving needs of communities in Rwanda, the region, and beyond.