Rwanda Sustainable Development Learning Exchange 2027

Learning from Rwanda's Transformation: Building Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future.

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Why this matters

At a time when much of the world's understanding of Africa continues to be shaped by stories of conflict, poverty, and dependence, Rwanda offers a different narrative — one of resilience, innovation, reconciliation, and transformation.

Over the past three decades, Rwanda has emerged as a global example of how a nation can rebuild itself through visionary leadership, community participation, homegrown solutions, and strategic investment in people. This initiative is more than a study tour: it is a platform for learning, collaboration, storytelling, research, and global citizenship.

The Learning Exchange

A ten-day immersive experience in Rwanda where participants engage directly with community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, policymakers, and grassroots organizations shaping Rwanda's future — designed for students, researchers, educators, community leaders, philanthropists, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, artists, and members of the African diaspora. No previous experience in international development is required.

Five Learning Pillars

Reconciliation & Nation Building

Kigali Genocide Memorial, Aegis Trust programs, the Museum of Homegrown Solutions, and community reconciliation initiatives.

Community Development & Women's Empowerment

The COVAGA Gashora Weaving Cooperative, the Covaga Innovation Centre, and community nutrition and livelihood projects.

Food Security & Agricultural Innovation

The Quinoa Demonstration Garden, QuinoaHub, and community food security initiatives.

Environmental Sustainability & Clean Energy

Lake Kivu and the KivuWatt project — methane from the lake's depths converted into clean electricity.

Entrepreneurship, Technology & Economic Transformation

Innovation hubs, the Volkswagen assembly plant, e-mobility, and Zipline's medical drone delivery network.

Built on the RR25 Legacy

The Learning Exchange builds on the Remember Rwanda Legacy Project (RR25), launched in 2019 with Hogan's Alley Society and IBADRE. In May 2026, our international symposium at SFU brought scholars, students, and community together around one question: what can the world learn from Rwanda's journey of reconciliation and nation-building?

Read the symposium story →

Sherif Jetiah, Dr. June Francis, and Lama Mugabo at the May 2026 RR25 symposium
Sherif Jetiah, Dr. June Francis, and Lama Mugabo at the May 2026 RR25 symposium

Meet the Partners

Building Bridges with Rwanda

Two decades of community development and learning exchange between Canada and Rwanda. The lead organization.

Baraza Collective

Documenting the journey through podcasts, digital storytelling, photography, and documentary film.

IBADRE — Simon Fraser University

The Institute for Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement: research, student participation, and public education.

Interested in joining a future Learning Exchange?

Join the interest list and receive updates on future reflection tours, symposiums, public lectures, and learning opportunities.