UR-ACEIoT hosts the 7th International Conference on Mobile Communication Technology for Development (M4D2022)

29-04-2022

University of Rwanda (UR) through the African Centre of Excellence (ACEIoT) held the seventh edition of the International Conference on mobile communication technology for development. This was organized in partnership with Karlstad Business School, Sweden.

The three-day hybrid meeting was held from April 27 to 29 in Kigali and connected various universities from all over the world and researchers, among others. The conference served as an opportunity for researchers, students and other partners, as well as innovators in this industry to discuss the role of research and knowledge development in the area of mobile technologies.

Principal of UR CST Dr. Ignace Gatare delivering the welcome remarks and all others are participants

Dr. Ignace Gatare, the Principal of the College of Science and Technology (CST) said that this meeting is important, arguing that it’s essential that researchers understand their role and the potential impact technology can play.

“Nowadays mobile technologies are everywhere driving social-economic transformation, and also contributing to growth in economic development,” he said.
He called the meeting a good initiative for availing a platform for discussion between the university, government, and the private sector to enhance the impact of mobile technology for development. Commenting on the importance of mobile communication use for development, he said it plays a significant role in all sectors such as health and agriculture among others.

“We see mobile technology coming as a solution to increasing the use of technology for development,” he added. Speaking of expectations, Gatare said that there is hope for more partnerships to emerge from this conference, and also ensure that reflections have an impact on social-economic transformation.

UR-Vice Chancellor Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje delivering his remarks

Prof. Alexande Lyambabaje, the Vice-Chancellor of UR pointed that ICT through digitization is transforming business models, the policy landscape and social norms highlighting that mobile communication technology is transforming lives through improved ways of doing and conducting business both in developing and developed countries.

“The use of information &communication technology (ICT) is on the rise and bears a number of benefits transforming lives by driving and supporting community –level social economic changes as well as local national and global economies and international development efforts”, he said.

Story by
Jean Damascène NIYITEGEKA
Communication & Marketing Specialist
University of Rwanda
African Centers of Excellence Project (UR-ACEs)