The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) took a significant step toward modernizing livestock production with the launch of the RwanNovIA Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing cattle reproduction services through innovative veterinary technologies and capacity building. Held on May 26, 2026, at RAB’s Isonga Station, the launch ceremony brought together high-level government officials, development partners, livestock experts, and farmers to celebrate a shared commitment to strengthening Rwanda’s dairy sector.

The event was graced by Hon. Solange Uwituze, Minister of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), H.E. Aurélie Royet-Gounin, Ambassador of France to Rwanda, H.E. Giovanni Davite, Honorary Consul of Italy in Rwanda, and other distinguished guests. Funded by the French Treasury through the FASEP programme, the RwanNovIA Project seeks to deploy 21 veterinary ultrasound devices across Rwanda under a pilot initiative covering seven districts: Gatsibo, Gicumbi, Huye, Kayonza, Nyabihu, Nyagatare, and Rwamagana. The project is expected to improve reproductive management in cattle, enhance dairy productivity, and provide farmers with access to more efficient veterinary services.

Before the official launch and certification ceremony, participants visited a dairy farm in Rusatira Sector, where they witnessed firsthand the application of ultrasound technology in cattle reproduction. The field visit demonstrated how modern reproductive technologies can support farmers in improving herd management, increasing productivity, and making informed breeding decisions. The delegation later toured the Bovine Semen Production Center at Isonga Station, where they gained insights into Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock genetics and improve the quality of breeding services available to farmers nationwide.

Another major highlight of the event was the certification of the first cohort of 32 Bovine Ultrasound Veterinary Technicians. The graduates successfully completed specialized training designed to equip them with the technical skills required to utilize ultrasound technology in animal reproduction and herd health management.

Speaking during the ceremony, H.E. Aurélie Royet-Gounin emphasized the significance of the initiative, describing it as “more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of ambition, innovation, and confidence in the future of Rwanda’s dairy sector.” Her remarks reflected the strong partnership between Rwanda and France in supporting agricultural transformation and technological innovation.

In her keynote address, Hon. Solange Uwituze commended the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their newly acquired skills to improve dairy productivity and support livestock farmers across the country. She underscored the importance of innovation, professional expertise, and collaboration in achieving Rwanda’s vision for a modern and competitive livestock sector.

As the ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to the newly trained technicians, the event marked not only the launch of a transformative project but also the beginning of a new chapter in the modernization of veterinary services in Rwanda. Through the RwanNovIA Project, RAB and its partners are laying the foundation for a more productive, resilient, and technology-driven dairy industry that will benefit farmers and contribute to national agricultural development.