From 19th to 20th September 2024, University of Technology and Arts of BYUMBA (UTAB) has hosted the 2nd on international conference on technological advancements on Embedded Mobile System (ICTA-EMOS) at Kigali Convention Center. The theme of this conference was “Emerging Technologies and Embedded Mobile System in Sustainable Development”.
UTAB proved how reinforcing inclusive and accessible modern technology will lead to sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor of UTAB, Fr. Dr. MUNANA Gilbert, O.P., Said that it is a good opportunity for Rwanda to host such conference, because it is a platform to exchange ideas on how to help people be at same level of Technology use, as it is the most useful nowadays.
The Vice Chancellor of UTAB, Fr. Dr. MUNANA Gilbert, O.P.
He said: “The innovations in Embedded and Mobile Systems (EMoS) are reshaping the future of industries, governance, and communities. We now live in a world where smart cities, connected healthcare devices, efficient energy systems, precision agriculture, and wearable technologies are no longer the concepts of tomorrow—they are the realities of today. However, the question we must ask ourselves is, “How can we, as educators, innovators, and policymakers, harness these technologies to promote sustainable development for the benefit of all?”
He added that this conference coincidently with UTAB accreditation by International Computer Driving License-Africa(ICDL) as a center of providing ICT training at international level, and this will help UTAB and its surrounding community to use Technology in their daily life.
“We want that these programs reach to the community, where every people knows how to use telephone for benefit. Where people can use telephone while at Gicumbi and order goods from Kigali without going there.”: He argued.
On the other side, Chief Technical Advisor, Eng. Pascal GATABAZI, the delegate from the ministry of Education, has said that ICT is a key to Rwanda as well as East Africa development goals, thus this conference will help in achieving these goals.
Chief Technical Advisor in MINEDUC, Eng. Pascal GATABAZI
He said: “In Rwanda, as well as across East Africa, we recognize that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is key to our development goals. ICT offers solutions to challenges in education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and infrastructure. Embedded and Mobile Systems are integral to these solutions, powering advancements in areas like smart cities, healthcare monitoring systems, and energy-efficient technologies.”
He added that there are still challenges which needed to be tackled for reaching sustainable development. Those challenges include the shortage of skilled engineers, system analysts, developers, and systems administrators and these are barriers to unlocking the full potential of industries. Moreover, companies in the region often rely on expatriate experts who may not have a long-term commitment to the development of industries. When these experts leave, they disrupt company progress and undermine sustainable development efforts.
He said that this conference, hosted by UTAB, contributes significantly in handling these challenges. By bringing together educators, researchers, and industry leaders who build bridges that will support the social and economic development of our region.
Prof Micheal KISANGIRI who represented the leader of Center of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT@EA) combining different universities from Africa and Europe in enhancing Technology, has said that this center helped students and staff mobility to Europe to acquire more knowledge in Technology.
UTAB hosted this conference in collaboration with the higher learning institutes like University of Burundi, University of Kabale (Uganda), University of JUBA (South Soudan), Moi University (Kenya), University of Ghana and University of Oldenburg(Germany). It has also attended by different experts in Technology from South Africa and Asia.
