Request for Proposals: Digital Ethics Review System Development
14 April 2026
CIIC-HIN, through the TRACE Project is seeking a qualified firm to develop Rwanda’s next-generation Digital Research Ethics Review System for Rwanda National Research Ethics Committee (RNEC) and Institutional Review Boards(IRBs). The platform will improve efficiency, transparency, compliance, and oversight of research protocol review through a shared online portal, digital workflows, and AI-supported screening tools.
MEETING AND TRAINING WORKSHOP TO ADVANCE DISCUSSIONS ON STRENGTHENING RESEARCH ETHICS GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Abuja (19–21 January 2026)
A productive meeting was held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja -Nigeria during the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) Meeting and Training Workshop to advance discussions on strengthening research ethics governance in Nigeria and the role of the TRACE Project in supporting national priorities.
TRACE PROJECT EXPLORES EXPANSION INTO KENYA
NAIROBI – JULY 10-12, 2025
The TRACE Project is set to expand into Kenya, following initial consultations with national stakeholders on integrating the country into the initiative to strengthen clinical trial oversight and ethics systems. In July 2025, a meeting was convened in Nairobi at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), where TRACE representatives engaged with senior officials from
TRACE DIGITAL BENCHMARKING EFFORTS
KAMPALA – JULY 24-26, 2025
TRACE concluded a three-day benchmarking visit to the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), aimed at learning from their pioneering experience in digital ethics and clinical trial oversight. Held from 24th –26th July 2025, the mission was led by Mr. Collins Mwesigwa from UNCST and Dr. Collins Mitambo representing TRACE.
MODERNISING MEDICAL RESEARCH FRAMEWORK AMID DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
HARARE – JUNE 19, 2025
Zimbabwe is modernizing its medical research governance and accelerating digital ethics review systems after decades under outdated regulations. The MRCZ, established in 1974 under the Rhodesian Government Notice 225, has operated under a legal framework that has remained unchanged for over 50 years. In response to the growing complexity of health
STRENGTHENING CLINICAL RESEARCH GOVERNANCE – INSIGHTS FROM THE TRACE SCOPING MISSION
DAR ES SALAAM – JANUARY 28, 2025.
A scoping mission in Tanzania has provided critical insights into the country’s national ethics systems, paving the way for stronger regulatory oversight and collaboration in clinical trials. Held from the 21st to 24th January 2025, the mission engaged key institutions including the NIMR and the TMDA. The meeting aimed to assess Tanzania’s ethics framework,
ADVANCING DIGITAL ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
ABUJA – MAY 5, 2025
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and transparent clinical research through the TRACE mission held in Abuja. The mission brought together the TRACE team and the NHREC as well as Institutional and local committees to strengthen clinical trial oversight. Stakeholders explored the potential measures to improve coordination and financial
ADVANCING COORDINATION AND NEXT STEPS
KIGALI – JULY 5, 2025
The TRACE Core Team meet in Kigali. The three-day in-person meeting delivered a unified roadmap for strengthening clinical trial oversight through harmonized ethics and regulatory systems, enhanced digital transformation, and sustainable financing models.
TRACE PROJECT SCOPING MISSION IN RWANDA
KIGALI – DECEMBER 13, 2024
The TRACE project scoping mission was held in Kigali on 13 December 2024 at Hôtel des Mille Collines, marking a key step toward strengthening Rwanda’s clinical trial regulatory and ethics systems. The meeting brought together representatives from The Gates Foundation, CIIC-HIN, Garnet Partners, Rwanda FDA, RNEC, Institutional Review Boards