Featured: Spiro Rwanda, MKU Partnership Fuels Innovation and Research

Strategic Partnership Between Spiro and Mount Kigali University

On Friday, August 22, a significant milestone was achieved as Spiro and Mount Kigali University (MKU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in various key areas. The signing ceremony took place on MKU’s campus and was attended by university leadership, faculty, students, and executives from Spiro Rwanda. This agreement marks the start of a multidisciplinary alliance aimed at fostering innovation, research, and development.

The objectives of the MoU emphasize a shared commitment between both institutions to promote collaboration in sustainable mobility, research and development, capacity-building, and clean energy adoption. As part of the agreement, MKU students and staff will have access to discounted rates on Spiro electric motorcycles, along with flexible payment terms. Additionally, the partnership opens doors for collaborative research initiatives, employment opportunities, and internships.

Spiro Rwanda is the leading electric two-wheeler vehicle company in Africa and the primary distributor of locally assembled EV motorcycles in the country. To commemorate the partnership, Spiro Rwanda presented five brand-new electric motorcycles to MKU, symbolizing the beginning of this fruitful collaboration.

Kaushik Burman, Chief Executive Officer of Spiro Rwanda, highlighted the significance of the MoU. “This strategic partnership with Mount Kigali University aims to deepen both technical and commercial innovations. It will work towards achieving sustainable goals, particularly transforming the transportation sector in Rwanda and contributing to the fight against climate change through electric mobility solutions,” he said.

Burman also emphasized the importance of partnering with academia to leverage the knowledge of students, interns, and graduates, integrating them into the corporate world. Spiro Rwanda currently has over 8,000 electric motorcycles enrolled and manages more than 300 charging stations nationwide. The company is heavily investing in infrastructure and manufacturing as it expands its operations. With a workforce of over 500 and coverage across 25 districts, Spiro Rwanda is at the forefront of Rwanda’s green transport revolution.

The partnership also signifies a new era of knowledge exchange and contribution to the development of industry-relevant academic programs. Burman added, “On this historic occasion, we are signing this MoU with a clear line of sight. We are going to partner deeply with students and staff in building the Spiro ecosystem in Rwanda.”

Dr. Martin Kimemia, Vice Chancellor of MKU, described the MoU as “the biggest partnership of the year.” He noted that it lays the foundation for a long-lasting collaborative future. Kimemia emphasized that the partnership will strengthen MKU’s mission in research and innovation. He mentioned that MKU’s faculties, especially in business and ICT, will actively engage in applied research, working alongside Spiro’s R&D teams to develop market-ready technologies and business models.

As part of the agreement, Spiro Rwanda will have access to MKU’s laboratory and campus space for testing and performance validation of its products. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on field experience and ensure collaborative development of quality standards and evaluation metrics.

Students have welcomed the partnership, expressing that it offers not only discounts but also opportunities to learn, integrate into the industry, and participate in the country's economic transformation. Christian Ibishimishije, a fourth-year Information and Technology major, praised the partnership, noting that it could be a solution to the challenges of securing internships and jobs.

“This is a game-changer. Internships and job placements have been a challenge, but now we have a real opportunity to apply our skills, gain experience, and even contribute to environmental sustainability through electric mobility,” Ibishimishije said.