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An innovative leap in Rwanda’s journey toward cleaner, smarter cities was marked with the official launch of the CleanCity IoT Device—a real-time air quality monitoring system developed through cutting-edge research supported by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

Held at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology (UR-CST), the launch event brought together stakeholders from across government, academia, and the private sector to celebrate the unveiling of the mobile Internet of Things (IoT) device. The initiative is spearheaded by Dr Eric Nizeyimana, a former Rsif scholar and now recipient of the Junior Innovator Research Award (JIRA), under the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT).

The CleanCity IoT Device is designed to be mounted on motor vehicles and motorcycles, continuously collecting real-time data on air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), as well as temperature and humidity. The data is transmitted to a cloud platform, where it is analyzed to inform public policy and urban planning.

“Air pollution is a major challenge in Kigali and beyond. It is crucial to develop sustainable solutions to protect both current and future generations,” said Dr Nizeyimana, reflecting on the project’s origins in 2020 as a response to growing concerns over air quality.

The project—“Leveraging IoT Mobile Networks for Urban Air Quality Insights in Rwanda”—aims to provide policymakers and city administrators with critical environmental data, enabling them to identify pollution hotspots and take proactive measures to protect public health.

Eddah Barasa, Rsif’s Research Grants Officer, who attended the launch, applauded the initiative’s innovative use of technology and its potential for impact.

“This project exemplifies the transformative power of African-led research and innovation supported through Rsif. It not only advances environmental sustainability but also contributes to the Smart City agenda in Rwanda,” she said.

Initially focusing on Kigali, the CleanCity IoT initiative will scale up to other provinces, aligning with national goals for sustainable urban development and environmental resilience.