Brazilian Envoy Explores Rwanda Relations and Scholarships

The Brazilian Ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, has announced that from next year, Rwandans will start receiving scholarships to study ...

The Brazilian Ambassador to Rwanda, Irene Vida Gala, has announced that from next year, Rwandans will start receiving scholarships to study in Brazil, signifying a new phase in the expanding relationship between the two nations. In an exclusive interview with The New Times last week, Gala, who recently presented her credentials after relocating from Ghana, expressed enthusiasm about strengthening ties between Rwanda and Brazil. A legal professional, she has been part of the foreign service for over four decades. "Brazil has 35 missions in Africa, and now we've added Kigali. It was long overdue," she remarked. "Rwanda opened an embassy in Brazil last year, and finally, we've come here," she added. Adjusting to Life in Rwanda Gala described her experience in Rwanda as positive, citing the country's cleanliness, safety, and the kindness of its people. "Safety and cleanliness make you feel comfortable," she said. "I enjoy restaurants, wine, and the gentle, welcoming nature of the people here. That makes my daily life very easy." Despite only being in Kigali for six months, Gala stated that the embassy has made significant progress. "In this short time, we managed to open the embassy, I presented my credentials, and held courtesy visits to various ministries," she explained. "We already have several substantial areas of cooperation underway." Visit Rwanda’s Next Destination — Brazil Gala gained attention in September when she proposed that Visit Rwanda should explore expanding its sports partnerships to South America, especially with Brazilian football clubs. "I think that's a major way of introducing Rwanda to Brazil," she said. "When I posted it on my social media, the response was overwhelming. It showed how much interest there is." For her, relationships begin with people. "If we want to do business and promote relations, people must first know each other. That's why this kind of collaboration would be a wonderful idea, and I believe it will work," she noted. Scholarships for Rwandan Students One of the most concrete results of the recent Rwanda–Brazil political consultations, which took place in October, is the creation of new educational opportunities for Rwandans. "Students from Rwanda will now study at our universities for undergraduate and graduate programs, free of charge," Gala revealed. While tuition is covered, she mentioned that students will need to cover their own living expenses. However, many Brazilian universities offer affordable housing and meals on campus. This year's group of students will be selected by the Rwandan government, but starting next year, applications will be open to the general public. "For 2026, the government will choose who goes. But for 2027, anyone meeting the criteria will be able to apply directly," she said. The scholarships will cover a wide range of disciplines — including arts, STEM, medicine, and agriculture — and graduates will also be eligible for Master’s and PhD programs, still tuition-free. Agriculture and Livestock Collaboration Gala also highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects under the Rwanda–Brazil partnership, particularly in agriculture and livestock. "The goal is to improve cattle production in Rwanda," she explained. "It's a program that will affect the entire value chain, from genetics and breeding to meat processing and export." The initiative includes a component focused on animal genetics to enhance cattle breeds through scientific and technical cooperation. A Brazilian technical team is currently in Rwanda assessing the livestock ecosystem, including animal feed production. "For good cattle, you must have good animal feed, which comes from good crops," she said. "So it's a comprehensive effort to strengthen the entire livestock chain," she added. Diplomacy and Leadership Reflecting on her long career, Gala stated that she entered diplomacy with a desire to promote peace. "I've always believed that diplomacy is about bringing good things to our country, but above all, it's about maintaining peace in the world," she said. "Diplomacy is more than negotiation. It's public service and responsibility to your country and continent," she emphasized. Gala encouraged young Africans to consider careers in public service and international relations. "Africa is growing in global importance. Recognize that you're part of a history in the making — step in, be responsible, and help build your countries and continent," she said. "It's a big challenge, but a beautiful one. Diplomacy is a wonderful career, I highly recommend it." Life Beyond Work Away from diplomacy, Ambassador Gala enjoys simple pleasures like cooking, hosting friends, and exploring new cultures. "I love to cook and host people," she said. "When I presented my credentials to His Excellency the President, I even invited him to come and eat at my house! I told him, 'I'm not only a diplomat, I'm also a cook.'" She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising almost every day, reading often, and immersing herself in Rwanda's arts and music scene. "I want to get more into local culture — the music, the artists, where people go dancing," she said. "I may be an old lady, but I can still hang around and do a little shaking." A Taste of Home Gala said although she enjoys Rwanda, she already misses Brazilian food. "I can't find everything we like to use in our kitchen," she said. "So my second dream is to have Brazilian supermarkets here in Rwanda." She misses staples like yellow corn flour, gari (cassava flour), and coconut water — ingredients that, she says, "just don't taste the same anywhere else." "Our Brazilian community is growing," she added. "It would be wonderful to bring a little taste of Brazil to Rwanda."

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