Professor Silas Lwakabamba is a distinguished academic, engineer, and higher education leader with an illustrious career spanning over four decades in Africa and beyond. As Regional Managing Director for the Africa Hub at Coventry University, he drives the university’s strategic partnerships, research collaborations, and capacity-building programmes across the continent.

A former Minister of Education and Minister of Infrastructure for the Republic of Rwanda, Professor Lwakabamba has been central to shaping national policy and development strategies in education, science, and technology. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Rwanda’s higher education sector and promoting the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship into university curricula.

Prior to his ministerial roles, he served as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, where he led transformational reforms in governance, academic excellence, and international collaboration. A respected scholar and mentor, he continues to champion equitable access to education, STEM advancement, and cross-border partnerships that drive social and economic growth.

Professor Lwakabamba’s legacy is one of vision, integrity, and lifelong commitment to the empowerment of Africa’s next generation. He is proud to support the NouZetwals Health and Social Care Excellence Awards in recognising leadership that transforms education, health, and society.