Bruce Krogh, director of Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, discussed the development of the electrical power system in Rwanda at a Dean’s Lecture on April 18. Rather than construct a traditional system with unidirectional delivery, he suggested Africans are turning to a smart “micro-grid” approach that is more reliable and requires less expensive infrastructure to build and maintain.

Carnegie Mellon University signed an agreement in 2011 with the government of Rwanda to establish a center with two degree programs: a master of science in information technology and a master of science in electrical and computer engineering.

During his address, Krogh stated: “CMU is educating Africans in Africa for Africa.” Krogh joined Carnegie Mellon in 1983 and today is a professor of electrical and computer engineering.