The financing package is backed by an $84 million counter-guarantee from the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), enabling the banks to provide larger guarantees beyond their usual limits.
BPR Bank Rwanda PLC led the financing effort as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Facility Agent on behalf of the consortium of banks, which also includes Bank of Kigali (BK), the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), and KCB Bank Kenya.
The project, jointly developed by the Governments of Rwanda and Qatar, is a flagship component of Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which aims to propel the country into upper-middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.
The airport is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and logistics, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals of boosting intra-African trade.
Valued at over $2 billion, the airport is scheduled for completion by mid-2028. The guarantees issued by Rwandan banks, made possible through ATIDI’s de-risking solutions, will cover performance and advance payment obligations of the contractors, ensuring smooth project execution.
“ATIDI is proud to partner in Rwanda’s transformation and continental ambitions through this catalytic project,” said Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of ATIDI. “The new airport is not just about infrastructure; it’s about unlocking regional value chains and ensuring Africa trades more with itself.”
Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, said the bank is honoured to lead such a transformational financing effort.
“This collaboration with ATIDI and our partner banks reflects our firm commitment to financing national development priorities and enabling long-term value through strategic infrastructure.”
Rwanda, a founding member of ATIDI, continues to leverage the institution’s risk mitigation tools to unlock capital for critical sectors. ATIDI currently has a gross exposure of over $611 million in Rwanda, spanning agriculture, energy, construction, communication, and transport.
The New Bugesera International Airport is poised to become a major aviation hub in the region, expanding Rwanda’s capacity to handle growing passenger and cargo volumes while reinforcing its position as a gateway for trade and investment in Africa. Its first phase is designed to accommodate 7 million passengers annually, with a long-term vision to expand to 14 million passengers annually.
Shares of the California-based firm rose 2.5% in early trading on Wednesday morning, briefly pushing its stock price above $164 and securing its place at the top of global equity markets.
The milestone comes just over a year after Nvidia first breached the $1 trillion mark in May 2023 and highlights its meteoric rise amid the artificial intelligence boom.
Nvidia’s valuation has surged eightfold since 2021, when it was valued at just $500 billion. The company crossed the $2 trillion threshold in February 2024 and hit $3 trillion in June before this week’s record-breaking leap. It now carries the most weight on the S&P 500, with its performance acting as a bellwether for global tech stocks.
Founded in 1993 and long known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) popular among gamers, Nvidia has become the dominant force behind the AI revolution. Its high-powered chips are essential to the data centres powering large language models, cloud computing, and generative AI platforms operated by tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet.
In its most recent earnings report, Nvidia posted a 69% year-over-year revenue increase to $44.1 billion, with profits soaring to $18.8 billion despite challenges from tariffs and export restrictions. The company is set to report second-quarter results next month, with analysts predicting another record-setting quarter.
Nvidia’s rapid ascent reflects a broader shift in investor priorities, with artificial intelligence now seen as the most transformative economic force of the decade. According to IDC, global spending on AI infrastructure is projected to exceed $200 billion by 2028.
CEO Jensen Huang has become one of the world’s richest individuals, with Bloomberg pegging his net worth at $140 billion. Huang has also gained political visibility, recently joining President Donald Trump on a high-profile trip to Saudi Arabia to promote Project Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative backed by Nvidia.
Despite its dominance, Nvidia faces competition and geopolitical challenges. Chinese startup DeepSeek rattled markets earlier this year with a rival AI model that raised questions about the long-term need for expensive hardware. The U.S. government’s export restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chips to China have also weighed on performance, costing the company an estimated $2.5 billion in revenue last quarter.
Nevertheless, the company has rebounded strongly—its stock is up nearly 74% since April—thanks to robust demand and continued AI adoption across industries.
Over the past ten years, the firm has generated more than $16 million in revenue, including about $4 million from international service delivery, according to the company’s Managing Director, Habineza Emmanuel.
Habiza disclosed this during the anniversary celebration held on Monday, July 7, 2025.
“We started with very few employees, but now, if we count everyone who has worked with us, it’s over 500 people. We’ve also made significant revenue, with nearly $4 million coming from services offered abroad,” he said.
Sandeep Khapre, CEO of BDO East Africa, recalled that when they launched operations in Rwanda, there was a shortage of professional financial auditors. The firm was determined to employ Rwandans rather than bringing in foreign professionals.
He added that they decided to invest in training local auditors to build a capable workforce.
“At the time, many firms in Rwanda relied on foreign professionals for these services. We made a deliberate decision to train and employ Rwandans — and even have them lead the firm. That’s how we identified leaders like Emmanuel and others who now run the company,” he remarked.
Trond Morten, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at BDO Global, highlighted the firm’s mission to support Africa in achieving financial and economic progress and to assist both private and public institutions in meeting their goals.
“We serve more than a million clients worldwide, but our main priority is helping them achieve their goals, guiding them on how to grow, how to improve governance in their operations.”
Jean Claude Uwizeyemungu, CEO of Mahwi Grain Millers, who has worked with BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd for the past eight years, praised the firm as a trusted advisor. He credited BDO with helping his company access financial and capital markets.
“Recently, we reached a major milestone by listing our company on the financial and capital markets, and we owe that to BDO. It’s been a long journey, and they helped us secure sufficient financing to pursue our vision,” Uwizeyemungu said.
BDO East Africa (Rwanda) Ltd began operations in Rwanda in 2015 with just three employees. Today, it boasts over 100 full-time staff offering services in financial auditing, economic advisory, development consulting, taxation, technology, and business risk management.
The state-run institution currently manages assets worth over Frw 3.5 trillion (approximately $2.5 billion), with a strategic focus on channeling the resources into sectors that drive economic growth, social impact, and long-term returns.
Speaking to the Rwandan diaspora during the Rwanda Convention 2025 held in Texas, USA, on July 5, Louise Kanyonga, Deputy CEO of the RSSB, emphasised the institution’s dual mission, social protection and nation-aligned investments, and highlighted key opportunities available both in Rwanda and abroad.
“RSSB is truly owned by every single Rwandan,” said Kanyonga. “We manage assets of about $2.5 billion across all the different asset classes… we invest towards the transformation of the country.”
A highlight of RSSB’s efforts is Ejo Heza, the national long-term savings scheme now being actively marketed to the diaspora. Designed for both informal sector workers and Rwandans living abroad, Ejo Heza offers an impressive 10–11% annual return, compounded over time.
“If you want to make sure you’re securing a long-term financial future for your loved ones and families back home, I really encourage you to learn more about Ejo Heza,” said Kanyonga.
“It’s a super attractive opportunity for you. You too can save and watch your savings grow over time,” she added.
The scheme not only ensures retirement security, but also reinforces financial inclusion in a country where most of the population works outside the formal economy.
{{Vision City II and Heza Estate
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In real estate, RSSB continues to lead the market as Rwanda’s largest developer. Two major housing projects were spotlighted at the convention:
Vision City II, set to begin construction in September 2025, will be three times larger than the first phase, featuring a diverse range of villas, apartments, and townhouses.
“The residential units you have in Vision City I are almost sold out… We’re starting the second phase in September,” Kanyonga confirmed.
Heza Estate, another upcoming development, will cater to the middle-income segment with approximately 500 units priced from $70,000. The estate will include both apartments and standalone homes, offering options for homeowners and investors alike.
“Please check it out at the stand. Pricing is very competitive and attractive… It’s a really exciting opportunity,” she said.
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Kanyonga also announced the creation of a new $30 million SME fund, aimed at unlocking long-term capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund is expected to grow to $100 million, with regulatory clearance anticipated by August 2025.
“This SME fund is really for you,” she told diaspora entrepreneurs. “We want to be exposed to the real economy and actually finance real businesses.”
Unlike commercial bank loans, which can be expensive and short-term, the RSSB fund will offer patient capital, including equity and flexible financing terms tailored to the realities of local businesses.
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RSSB is already firmly embedded in several of Rwanda’s most strategic and high-impact sectors, according to Kanyonga. In healthcare, the institution manages Mutuelle de Santé, the national health insurance program that now covers advanced medical services such as kidney transplants and cancer treatment, a major step toward reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical referrals.
In the realm of innovation, RSSB has positioned itself as a forward-thinking investor, having been an early backer of Zipline, the drone delivery company revolutionising medical logistics across Rwanda. It has also directed capital into pharmaceutical manufacturing, further strengthening the country’s healthcare self-sufficiency.
RSSB is also making major contributions to hospitality and tourism, with investments in landmark assets such as the Kigali Convention Centre, the newly upgraded Kigali Golf Club, and hospitality infrastructure around Akagera National Park, bolstering both domestic and international tourism.
Beyond Rwanda’s borders, the institution is participating in pan-African investment through the $250 million Buranga Fund, a joint venture with the Qatar Investment Authority, which is already supporting Rwandan companies and eyeing broader regional opportunities.
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Closing her remarks, Kanyonga urged the diaspora to move beyond remittances and take part in long-term investment.
“Let’s think about moving beyond just remittances to actually investing actively in the economy. There’s so much you can do,” she said. “Every single franc we invest [should] bring in three times the productivity.”
She also encouraged young professionals abroad to consider careers with RSSB, which operates a digital factory employing up to 60 Rwandans and building high-impact tools in-house.
“We’re building amazing products and services… 11 million Rwandans are our clients directly because of a service we offer,” she added.
Speaking exclusively to IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye confirmed that the new aircraft will arrive in phases, with the A330 wide-body expected in August, followed by the two Boeing 737s by September.
“There’s number four coming before the end of the year,” said Caunhye. “We’re planning for our fourth wide-body Airbus to come around August, so the paperwork is being finalised now. But number four will not be the last one—nor is it sufficient to meet all our planned requirements.”
The new aircraft are expected to boost RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by an additional 100 million, representing a 15–20% increase in capacity. Despite this growth, Caunhye noted it remains below the soaring market demand across Africa, which continues to outpace global trends.
The incoming Airbus A330 will be deployed mainly on the airline’s high-demand London Heathrow route, offering much-needed backup given the strict slot rules at the UK hub.
“Given the slot rules in London, it’s very tricky with three aircraft—when one goes down, we face challenges with our slots,” RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo told African Aerospace on the sidelines of the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention held in Kigali in May.
The aircraft is also expected to reinforce RwandAir’s Lagos service, another key West African destination, as the carrier aims to deepen its regional connectivity while maintaining its growing international footprint.
The fleet expansion forms part of a broader strategy that follows RwandAir’s recognition as Best Regional Airline in Africa at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, received in June at the Paris Air Show.
The accolade, which CCO Caunhye described as “a testimony to the precision of all the bolts and cogs coming together,” reflects the airline’s progress in enhancing service quality and operational resilience.
Currently, RwandAir operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, including two A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Dash 8-400s.
The upcoming additions will not only boost seat capacity but also support RwandAir’s expanding network, as the airline positions Kigali as a strategic hub connecting East, West, and Southern Africa to key international gateways such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
Additionally, new routes to Mombasa and Zanzibar are expected by the end of 2025, with Jeddah planned for early 2026.
Beyond passenger traffic, RwandAir is also ramping up its cargo operations. The airline currently operates a Boeing 737 freighter and is exploring the acquisition of a wide-body cargo aircraft to transport Rwandan exports such as coffee and tea to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Caunhye acknowledged the challenges of operating in Africa, including high operating costs, geopolitical disruptions, and limited profit margins on long-haul routes. Still, he expressed confidence that with fleet expansion, strategic partnerships, and the upcoming completion of Bugesera International Airport, RwandAir is well-positioned to become one of Africa’s leading carriers.
“We are not yet at full equilibrium,” he said. “But with sustained investment, an expanding network, and an empowered workforce, we’re building an airline that connects Rwanda to the world—and the world to Rwanda.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye expressed pride in the Skytrax accolade, calling it “a testimony to all the bits and pieces—the bolts and cogs—that come together with precision.”
He noted that the award, received at the iconic Air and Space Museum during the Paris Air Show on June 17, 2025, reflects not only RwandAir’s service excellence but also its strategic role in connecting Rwanda to global markets and promoting the national brand on the international stage.
“It’s a massive award that reflects on the country, the trust and confidence placed in us by the government of Rwanda and the authorities. Our team of just over a thousand employees combines to project a bridge that connects Rwanda to the world and the world to Rwanda,” said the CCO, who has been with RwandAir for the last six months.
“This links to verticals like tourism, economy, and corporate demand, ensuring the flows of commerce are maintained within the country and the outside world. It also allows the Rwanda brand to fly on our wings to the rest of the world,” he added.
The airline plans to maintain its momentum with an ambitious fleet expansion strategy. Caunhye confirmed the addition of a fourth Airbus A330 by August 2025, alongside two Boeing 737s scheduled to join the fleet in August and September.
The additional aircraft are expected to increase RwandAir’s available seat kilometres (ASK) by 15–20%. However, Caunhye noted that this still falls short of Africa’s rapidly growing demand, which continues to rise at 12–14% annually, well above the global average of 3–4%
New routes are also on the horizon, with Mombasa and Zanzibar slated for late 2025, and Jeddah expected in early 2026. These additions aim to strengthen RwandAir’s hub in Kigali, which is strategically positioned to connect East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as key European and Middle Eastern cities such as London, Paris, Doha, and Dubai.
“We’re far from achieving full balance,” Caunhye admitted, but the airline is strategically expanding to capture critical market share in a region where demand is robust but competition is fierce.
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Operating in Africa presents unique challenges, from high operational costs to geopolitical disruptions. Caunhye highlighted the inverse relationship between flight duration and profitability: “The further you fly, the more reduced your margins.”
Unlike carriers in large domestic markets like the US or China, RwandAir relies heavily on long-haul routes, with its shortest flight to Nairobi or Entebbe lasting about 90 minutes. This increases fuel, crew, and maintenance costs, squeezing margins in a market where ticket prices are often 30-50% composed of non-airline costs like airport taxes and overflight fees.
Recent disruptions, such as the closure of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s airspace and Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar, have tested RwandAir’s resilience. Caunhye emphasized the importance of rapid recovery, aiming to resolve disruptions within 24 hours to maintain passenger trust.
The airline is also adapting by strengthening East African networks and leveraging partnerships, such as with Qatar Airways, to expand reach without relying solely on its own fleet.
During the recent interview, Caunhye also revealed that financial sustainability remains a goal for RwandAir, which, like many state-owned African carriers, faces intense competition and escalating costs.
Caunhye acknowledged that the airline is “not yet at full equilibrium” but is on track to achieve it by doubling its fleet within five years.
This expansion aligns with the anticipated completion of the Bugesera International Airport, designed to handle 8-10 million passengers annually compared to the current Kigali airport’s 1-3 million.
“The new Kigali airport will be a game-changer,” Caunhye said, positioning RwandAir to compete with Africa’s leading aviation hubs.
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RwandAir is also eyeing Africa’s untapped cargo market. Operating a Boeing 737 freighter, the airline aims to transport Rwanda’s premium produce—coffee, tea, and other goods—to markets in China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Plans for a widebody cargo aircraft capable of seven- to eight-hour flights are in discussion to ensure fresh delivery to global markets.
Additionally, the CCO noted that strategic partnerships, including those with Visit Rwanda and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), are boosting RwandAir’s growth while promoting Rwanda as a premium tourism destination.
“We contribute to their success, and they to ours,” Caunhye noted, highlighting the synergy with Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Caunhye also highlighted the airline’s continued investment in its workforce, including efforts to nurture future talent through its pilot cadet programme. He described the initiative as an opportunity for young Rwandans to become “ambassadors of this ambitious country,” instilled with a professional ethos poised to shape the future of aviation for generations to come.
Catch the full interview below to hear more from RwandAir’s CCO, Fouad Caunhye.
Those were the words of CGTN reporter Wendyl Martin, describing what, for many, is an unexpected blend of origin and tradition: Rwandan-grown white silver needle tea, being sold and tasted in China.
But this tea’s journey is more than a sip of flavour; it’s a story of ancient trade routes, modern partnerships, and cross-continental adaptation.
“Our ancestors have been selling Chinese tea to the world,” said Wang Mingjie, a tea vendor at the market. “They exported tea from Fujian Province via the ancient Silk Road. Our generation’s goal is to plant Chinese tea all over the world.”
That dream led Chinese tea entrepreneurs to the highlands of East Africa, where climate, altitude, and soil converge to create near-perfect conditions for tea cultivation.
Rwanda and Kenya, in particular, offer the ideal mix of cool, misty hills and fertile volcanic earth perfect for growing premium varieties like white silver needle, a tea prized for its delicate flavour and high antioxidant content.
Rwanda now produces a rare, high-quality silver needle white tea, also known as “Silverback Needles.” Grown at elevations of 5,500–7,500 feet in areas such as the Rukeri Valley and Gisovu Estate near Nyungwe Forest, it has found a home far from its Chinese roots.
“So we searched for a suitable area for the tea plantation. In Africa, we found the temperature and environment in Rwanda and Kenya especially suitable for tea trees,” Wang continued. “We brought Chinese tea-making techniques there. Let’s spread Chinese tea to the world.”
The decision to export not just the product but also the production process is beginning to bear fruit. White silver needle tea, long a hallmark of China’s Fujian Province, is now part of Rwanda’s increasingly diverse agricultural export portfolio.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) Annual Report, Rwanda’s tea sector has shown strong growth. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, tea export revenue reached $114.88 million—a 7.1% increase from the previous year, despite a slight drop in production. The growth is attributed to improved quality and favourable global prices.
While the tea is taking root in African soil, it is also coming full circle—back to Chinese cups, Chinese hands, and Chinese markets. And it does so with a unique identity: Chinese in technique, African in terroir, and global in ambition.
What makes this story especially intriguing is how Chinese tea-growing expertise met Rwandan altitude and ecology. Rwanda’s volcanic soil, rainfall patterns, and higher elevations mirror the misty mountains of Fujian, the original home of white silver needle tea.
Thanks to this environmental harmony, Chinese entrepreneurs like Wang Mingjie haven’t just built a supply chain, they’ve discovered a second homeland for their centuries-old craft.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) recently announced that the funding was part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), a seven-year development plan that has now been concluded.
The projects have so far resulted in the establishment of 631 hotel rooms along the country’s scenic lakes, including Lake Kivu, Lake Ruhondo, and Lake Burera.
RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kangeli Muganza said the growth of lakeside tourism is not only diversifying Rwanda’s hospitality offerings but also contributing to broader economic development.
“As more hotels are established to cater to visitors, we see other economic activities emerging,” Muganza said. “These investments are creating jobs and supporting communities.”
Figures from the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism indicate that the number of private tourism establishments rose sharply from 450 in 2018 to 1,360 by 2023. The government now aims to increase the national hotel room capacity from 10,000 to 35,000 over the next five years.
In Karongi District, located along the northern shores of Lake Kivu, authorities report a notable increase in tourism infrastructure. More than 14 hotels are now operational in the district, drawing both leisure and research visitors.
Karongi Mayor Gerald Muzungu said hospitality investments are creating demand in related sectors such as food supply chains, transportation, and construction.
“Hotels are creating demand in food supply chains, transport, and other services, boosting job creation far beyond the hospitality sector,” Muzungu noted.
One of the standout projects is Château Le Marara, a newly opened European-style hotel located on a peninsula in Bwishyura Sector. The facility is already hosting guests and events while sourcing fresh produce from local suppliers, according to interim General Manager Solange Kayondo.
Beyond formal employment, the lakeside tourism boom is generating a wave of informal job opportunities. Workers such as painters, masons, and porters are finding steady income from construction and hotel maintenance.
According to RDB, the lakeshore projects completed so far have created approximately 364 jobs, with another 400 positions expected as ongoing projects are finalised.
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The broader hospitality and tourism sector in Rwanda currently employs around 165,000 people, a number that is projected to rise with the ongoing expansion of infrastructure and services.
Officials say lakeside tourism will remain a central pillar in Rwanda’s long-term economic development strategy, with plans to deepen investments and promote sustainable, community-driven growth.
Speaking during a joint Parliamentary session on Thursday, June 19, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente said the measure is intended to prevent unexpected disruptions linked to ongoing global conflicts, particularly the Israel-Iran war.
The conflict, which began on June 13, 2025, has sparked global concern over the potential shortage or surge in prices of petroleum products, which are essential for economies and daily life.
The fears are justified, given that both sides have targeted oil storage and infrastructure in their attacks. As of June 19, 2025, the price of a barrel of crude oil had risen to $78.85, reflecting a 7% increase since the war began.
Analysts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route between Iran and Oman, were to be blocked, crude oil prices could spike to between $120 and $130 per barrel. The strait facilitates the daily movement of 16 to 21 million barrels of oil.
Addressing a joint session of Parliament while presenting the Government’s performance in improving citizens’ welfare, Prime Minister Ngirente was asked what measures Rwanda is taking to mitigate potential impacts from a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We currently have a team assessing how this issue could affect us and the potential consequences. Since our petroleum is imported, any international disruption always prompts us to form a response team to determine the necessary steps,” he responded.
“Even as we speak, the task force is monitoring daily updates on the state of fuel imports, national reserves, and weekly inflows — whether through Dar es Salaam or Mombasa — and evaluating how to distribute them based on origin and impact scenarios.”
Ngirente stressed, “We aim to avoid surprises… the government must always stay prepared.”
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Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore explained that 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through the Strait of Hormuz, including oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran.
“All these countries export through that route. A disruption there would impact the global market, and consequently, Rwanda. We would likely experience a price increase or reduced import volumes,” he said.
He noted that while most shipping routes pass through Hormuz, such global-scale disruptions typically prompt swift international responses to prevent long-term crises.
“Even if something were to happen, we expect it would not last long. There might be price volatility, but not a severe global collapse.”
Rwanda currently has seven storage facilities with a combined capacity of 117.2 million litres of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.
“You know we have strategic reserves, and a monitoring team constantly tracks imports to ensure our tanks are full where we can rely on our reserves in the case of a short-term disruption, while the world resolves the issue,” Dr. Gasore stated.
Plans are underway to expand Rwanda’s fuel storage capacity to 334 million litres.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the state-owned airport management firm and the global leader in energy management and automation.
Schneider Electric, with a presence in over 100 countries, will provide technical support, consultancy, and maintenance services focused on energy management, electrical infrastructure, and automation systems across RAC-managed airports.
Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of RAC, said the partnership aligns with the company’s vision to modernise Rwanda’s aviation infrastructure.
“Schneider Electric’s global expertise aligns with our vision to modernise and maintain high-quality aviation infrastructure and to deliver world-class solutions crafted to the unique needs of Rwanda’s airports,” he stated.
“This MOU intends to establish a strategic partnership between Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) and Schneider Electric to enhance passenger experience, enhance operational efficiency and resilience, ensure compliance and safety, strengthen cyber security, and promote the sustainability of airport operations in Rwanda.”
The collaboration is expected to accelerate digital transformation within Rwanda’s airports, supporting RAC’s broader ambition to build sustainable and future-ready aviation facilities.
“This partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation, decarbonisation, and resilience-building across RAC-managed airports while ensuring compliance with global aviation standards,” Habonimana added.
The MOU also provides a structure for the development of both short- and long-term projects through mutual agreements.
Schneider Electric will deploy its EcoStruxure for Airports platform to optimise intelligent automation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency.
Ifeanyi Odoh, President of Schneider Electric (Kenya) Limited, affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s aviation sector through advanced technological solutions.
“We are excited to leverage our EcoStruxure for Airports platform to improve intelligent automation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency at these critical facilities,” Odoh said, further expressing Schneider Electric’s readiness to collaborate with the RAC to establish a Unified Operations Centre (UOC) to centralise oversight and decision-making.
“Aligning with RAC’s Net Zero objectives, we are prepared to develop a comprehensive sustainability roadmap focusing on renewable energy integration, microgrids, and energy efficiency measures to support decarbonisation and sustainability goals,” he explained.
He emphasised the potential for AI-assisted condition-based maintenance practices to enhance asset lifespan and operational durability.
“Through AI-driven predictive maintenance and lifecycle management, we can significantly improve operations.”
To facilitate this, Odoh assured that Schneider Electric would provide consulting, training, and technical support to ensure the effective implementation and transfer of knowledge.
The new agreement marks a key step in RAC’s mission to transform Rwanda into a regional aviation hub, as the country continues to invest in infrastructure that meets international standards for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, such as the Bugesera International Airport currently under construction.
![Tea vendor Wang Mingjie [left] describes how his family has sold Chinese tea for generations, from Fujian to the world.](https://en-images.igihe.com/jpg/tea_vendor_wang_mingjie_left_describes_how_his_family_has_sold_chinese_tea_for_generations_from_fujian_to_the_world.jpg)
