Rwanda Sustainable Development Learning Exchange 2027
Learning from Rwanda's Transformation: Building Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future.
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
- 1
Reconciliation & Nation Building
Kigali Genocide Memorial, Aegis Trust programs, the Museum of Homegrown Solutions, and community reconciliation initiatives.
- 2
Community Development & Women's Empowerment
The COVAGA Gashora Weaving Cooperative, the Covaga Innovation Centre, and community nutrition and livelihood projects.
- 3
Food Security & Agricultural Innovation
The Quinoa Demonstration Garden, QuinoaHub, and community food security initiatives.
- 4
Environmental Sustainability & Clean Energy
Lake Kivu and the KivuWatt project — methane from the lake's depths converted into clean electricity.
- 5
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?
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.