Rwanda’s Agri-Biotech Programme marked a successful first year this week, highlighting progress in developing climate-smart, high-yield cassava, potato, and maize varieties, and setting sights on full commercialization by 2029. The initiative, led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), aims to strengthen food security and smallholder resilience through cutting-edge biotechnology.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), concluded a two-day First Annual Review and Planning Meeting to take stock of the Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme’s first-year progress and set priorities for the next phase to boost productivity and climate resilience through biotechnology.
“Launched in October 2024, our programme aims by 2029 to secure regulatory approval, variety release, and commercialization of improved cassava, potato, and maize,” said Dr. Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of RAB. “Achieving this milestone will represent a major step toward resilient, climate-smart agriculture in Rwanda.”
Funded by the Gates Foundation and Gates Philanthropic Partners, the initiative unites international and national expertise coordinated by AATF and RAB, with partners including the International Potato Center (CIP), Michigan State University (MSU), Bayer, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC). The programme targets high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant varieties able to withstand cassava brown streak disease, potato late blight, and insect pests such as stem borers and fall armyworm.
“Pooling the strengths of leading research institutions and local partners ensures Rwanda can fast-track safe, high-impact biotech solutions from the lab to farmers’ fields,” AATF said in a statement. “Our focus is on translating science into accessible, affordable seed for smallholders.”
Participants highlighted gains in regulatory processes, confined field trials, and capacity building during the first year. A key milestone was environmental release approval granted by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) on September 3, 2025, following rigorous scientific assessments and biosafety evaluations.
Current trials include late blight–resistant potato under confined field testing in Musanze, with two additional potato trials planned at RAB Nyamagabe and RAB Rwerere. Cassava trials have been conducted in Rubona and Bugesera, with another site being established at Rubona. Two maize confined field trial sites are under development at RAB Nyagatare and RAB Rubona.
“The REMA approval underscores adherence to national and international biosafety standards and paves the way for broader evaluations,” Dr. Uwituze added. “As we progress, we will prioritize performance trials across agro-ecological zones, robust seed systems, and proactive engagement with farmers and communities.”
The next phase will emphasize national performance trials to confirm adaptability, development of seed systems for timely and widespread access to improved varieties, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The programme will also deepen collaboration with regulators to ensure biosafety, transparency, and public confidence.
“Through coordinated effort and evidence-based regulation, Rwanda is building the biotechnology capacity needed to strengthen food security and improve smallholder resilience in the face of climate change,” AATF noted.
