IMM in Rwanda

A new journey took us to Kigali, Rwanda, where we had the opportunity to meet with the University of Rwanda and the College of Science and Technology Department.

We were welcomed by the Mathematics Department and its Head Dr. Celestin Kurujyibwami we had the chance to present our project, mission and long-term vision to support excellence, vibrancy, and talent among young, motivated mathematicians across Eastern Africa. Soon enough we found ourselves sitting around a table talking about mathematics not as a school subject but as a force that can move countries forward.

We presented the IMM project. Our mission. Our long term vision for supporting young mathematicians across Eastern Africa. The more we spoke the more it felt like the conversation had started long before we arrived. Like we were adding our voice to a plan that was already taking shape.

Rwandan hospitality made everything feel even more special. We were able to learn firsthand about the country’s national efforts and strategic plan to become a regional hub for research and development, starting from fundamental mathematics. It is a structured goal with clear intentions behind it. Seeing that up close, makes you rethink what it means to build future opportunities for students. It was inspiring to see how a future collaboration with local professors could help shape advanced Master-level education aligned with local needs and priorities.

Our conversations also expanded to broader impact and sustainability. This led us to meet the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) , a pan-African organisation headquartered in Kigali and present in six countries, dedicated to empowering talented African students in mathematical sciences since 2003. Our complementary visions aligned naturally, merging into one shared mission: strengthening mathematical research and development across Africa and ensuring it gains the global recognition it deserves.

AIMS’ research activities, mentoring, and training programs are diverse, competitive, and truly high-quality. We encourage everyone to explore their work and discover the incredible commitment behind their efforts for a brighter future of research in Africa. Their programs in research mentoring and training are diverse, competitive and genuinely high quality. Hearing about their students and their journeys made everything feel connected.

AIMS’s Website

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