The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have forged a partnership to launch the Strengthening Rwanda Industrial Standardisation ICT Capacity (SISIC) project. This groundbreaking initiative, with a substantial budget of $8 million, aims to enhance RSB’s capability in promoting industrial standardisation and integrating technology-driven solutions within the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The four-year project, scheduled to take place from 2024 to 2028, is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in key industries.
By harnessing advanced ICT solutions and robust quality standards, the SISIC project is in line with Rwanda’s strategic vision of fortifying its industrial and trade sectors. The project’s key focus areas encompass improving metrology, conformity assessment, and certification services, which are crucial in elevating Rwanda’s industrial output to meet global standards and reinforce its competitive edge in regional and international markets.
In a statement, Jinhwa Kim, the Country Director of KOICA, highlighted the significance of digitalization in propelling Rwanda’s industrial transformation. Kim underscored that the initiative aligns with the government’s National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050, as it underscores RSB’s commitment to implementing digitalization across its operations, particularly in office management and service delivery to SMEs. The introduction of online training courses and digital systems aims to enable RSB to deliver services more efficiently and of higher quality to its beneficiaries, as noted by Kim.
Emphasizing the project’s potential to enhance Rwanda’s industrial competitiveness, Raymond Murenzi, the Director General of RSB, stressed the need to promptly and efficiently deliver RSB services. Murenzi elaborated on the project’s objectives, highlighting the facilitation of easier access to standardization services by aligning with the country’s industrial growth and export development strategy. Moreover, the integration of technology across all RSB services is set to make access to these services more expedient, in line with Rwanda’s industrial trajectory.
Murenzi also highlighted the valuable knowledge exchange that will occur through the SISIC project, as RSB stands to benefit from Korea’s expertise in standardization, testing, certification, and metrology. Furthermore, the project will include the establishment of smart classrooms to disseminate quality standards to SMEs remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to access RSB services.
In managing the implementation of the SISIC project, a specialized consortium comprising Solutek Systems Co. Ltd., Korea Standards Association (KSA), and Korea Industry Intelligentization Association (KOIIA) has been appointed as the Project Management Consultancy (PMC). Their involvement is crucial in ensuring the seamless execution of the project’s goals and objectives.
The collaboration between RSB and KOICA signifies a significant stride towards ushering in a new era of enhanced industrial standards and digital solutions in Rwanda, laying the groundwork for the country’s continued economic advancement and global competitiveness. With the launch of the SISIC project, Rwanda is poised to solidify its position as a leader in fostering technological innovations and robust quality standards within its industrial landscape.