Strengthening Research Ethics in Rwanda: Highlights from the IRB Capacity Building Workshop
KIGALI – JULY, 2026
The TRACE Project successfully hosted a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) across Rwanda. Achieving a 100% attendance rate from invited IRBs, the event underscored a strong national commitment to harmonizing research ethics, optimizing oversight, and advancing good clinical practice (GCP).
Accelerating Clinical Trial Excellence: Key Highlights from the Harare Face-to-Face Core Group Meeting
HARARE – JUNE, 2026
Moving closely towards the last months of the second year of the TRACE Project, the initiative has entered a high-execution phase of national implementation.
NIMR And TMDA Partner to Elevate Clinical Trial Review and Traditional Medicine Research Standards
MOROGORO – JUNE, 2026.
The TRACE Project achieved major milestones in strengthening Africa’s clinical research systems through two targeted capacity-building initiatives in Morogoro, Tanzania. Implemented by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in close collaboration with the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), these efforts mark a critical systems-strengthening movement for health research governance across the region.
Elevating Research Transparency in Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE – May, 2026
As a core partner of the TRACE initiative, Zimbabwe is moving beyond traditional oversight to establish a more visible and accountable research ecosystem. By modernizing its national approach to research ethics, the country is ensuring that its regulatory processes meet the highest international standards while remaining accessible to all stakeholders.
PRESS RELEASE: Kenya Integrates into TRACE to Streamline Clinical Trial Reviews through Parallel Submission and System Strengthening
NAIROBI – May, 2026
The TRACE Project (Trial Regulation and Clinical Ethics Optimization) is proud to announce the formal inclusion of Kenya into its multi-country initiative which is already being implement in Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This expansion aims to strengthen and align Kenya’s clinical trial oversight systems with regional best practices.
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