Rwanda will host the East African Community science and technology commission, a new body that seeks to promote and coordinate technological activities within the bloc’s five partner states, according to an agreement signed today by the Government of Rwanda and the EAC Secretariat in Kigali.

The commission will serve as the principal advisory organ for the Community in areas of research, develop priority areas for collaboration in science and technology, and facilitate the innovations in technology related activities.

The Headquarters Agreement, establishing the commission, was signed by EAC Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, and Rwanda's Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo, in the presence of EAC affairs minister Jacqueline Muhongayire and officials from EAC Secretariat.

According to the agreement, the operations of the new organ are set to commence by July this year with a proposed budget of US$ 1.8 million (around Rwf1.3 billion).

"Investment in science and technology is not a choice; it’s an imperative for the region. Technology is key to unlock East Africa's potential, and our countries cannot compete at the international level without (promoting) science and technology,” Amb. Sezibera said after signing the agreement.