Carnegie Mellon University will open a branch campus in the central African nation of Rwanda, university officials announced alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame Friday.
Speaking at the university in Pittsburgh, Kagame expressed his enthusiasm over the university’s bold commitment, citing its difference from “quick fix” solutions often offered to poorer nations ending in misuse. “I do believe this is evidence of a changing tide in the global partnership,’’ Kagame said, according to the Associated Press.
The African Development Bank is expected to provide funding for construction of the new campus, which will be located in the capital, Kigali. The bank assists African countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and social progress and funds projects across the contient.

Students will earn the same diploma as those who attend Carnegie Mellon in the U.S. Although students from all around the world may apply, preference will be given to Rwandan students and those from throughout the region. The courses will be taught in English and the school expects around 40 students for its first enrollment period next year.
The first two degrees offered at the Rwanda campus will be a Master of Science in information technology and degrees in computer engineering. The campus will also host advanced practical training programs, executive education programs and a mobility research center. The course offerings signal a broader trend in the country toward building capacity and increasing public access to technology. Rwanda recently completed installation of a fiber-optic cable project to provide faster Internet access and mobile phone use in the country has skyrocketed in recent years.

For more on the Carnegie Mellon Rwanda program, click here.
         

(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Segar)