In a secondary school classroom in Rwanda, Gisa Murera was teaching physics by day while quietly imagining a larger role for himself in the future of African science. He understood equations, but he wanted to influence systems. He believed mathematics could transform agriculture, finance, and climate resilience, yet he had not been given the tools or platform to act at that scale. A graduate at the University of Rwanda College of Education, Gisa encountered what he would later define as a life-changing opportunity. In 2017, driven by a desire for mentorship that would expand his thinking, Gisa began his master’s studies at the AIMS Cooperative Education Program, with the support of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. “Immediately, I understood I was stepping into a different academic environment,” Gisa noted, “The intensity of the curriculum, the immersive learning model, and engagement with world class scientists exceeded what I thought possible.” For the first time, he began to see himself not just as a teacher or student, but as a problem solver capable of driving innovation. He became determined to ensure that Rwanda and Africa would not lag behind in this knowledge driven era.
Soon, Gisa co-developed an AI driven precision agriculture tool designed to optimize irrigation, monitor soil nutrients, and deliver real-time farm updates through web and GSM platforms. The project secured USD 5,000 in seed funding and progressed to a working prototype. More than a student initiative, it became proof that data science could directly address agricultural productivity and food security challenges in Rwanda.
Through this experience, he developed both technical depth and an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in social impact.
The journey was demanding. The academic workload was rigorous, and balancing it with the Cooperative Education model required discipline and endurance. Yet the support system of lecturers, tutors, mentors, and peers strengthened his resilience and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
Today, Gisa Murera serves as Principal Data Scientist at the National Bank of Rwanda. The classroom equations he once taught now underpin decisions that shape Rwanda’s financial architecture.
At the same time, he is pursuing a PhD in Data Science and Data Mining at the University of Rwanda’s African Centre of Excellence in Data Science. His doctoral research integrates machine learning, satellite data, and crop modeling techniques to estimate and predict maize production in Rwanda, with a pilot focus on Nyagatare District.
By combining artificial intelligence with agricultural science, his work contributes to more accurate yield forecasting, improved food system planning, and climate resilient agricultural strategies. It is research rooted in real world application.
His commitment to systems thinking extends beyond research and public policy. Gisa founded a pig farming agribusiness aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s food security and creating local economic opportunity. His long term vision is to build a vertically integrated pig value chain spanning feed production, processing, packaging, and eventually a pork based restaurant brand. He also plans to establish a research laboratory focused on artificial insemination and breed improvement in collaboration with local farmers and national institutions.
The venture has demonstrated strong early demand. With strategic partnerships and capital support, he envisions positioning Rwanda as a leading pig production hub in East Africa.
“AIMS was the catalyst,” Gisa said. He noted the institution strengthened his scientific foundation, sharpened his analytical thinking, and reinforced his commitment to using mathematics and data science for societal good.
Whether shaping financial systems, advancing climate-smart agriculture, or building community-based agribusiness, the throughline is clear: the transformation began at AIMS.