Gaspard Twagirayezu : a new face, a new direction for the Rwanda Space Agency
Appointed as the head of the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), Gaspard Twagirayezu succeeds Col Francis Ngabo, with an impressive career in education and scientific policy. His appointment marks a new chapter for Rwanda’s space sector, with strengthened ambitions for technological development and international collaboration.
On September 11, 2024, Gaspard Twagirayezu, former Minister of Education, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) by President Paul Kagame himself. He succeeds Col Francis Ngabo, who has led the agency since its creation in 2020. This leadership transition reflects Rwanda’s growing ambitions in the space sector, and Gaspard Twagirayezu’s appointment opens a new era for this key institution in the country’s technological development.
STEM development is essential to prepare the next generation of innovators in Rwanda
Under Col Ngabo’s leadership, the Rwanda Space Agency achieved remarkable progress, particularly in space research and infrastructure development. The focus on strategic partnerships with international institutions strengthened Rwanda’s position in the global space arena. This exemplary path now makes way for new leadership embodied by Gaspard Twagirayezu, whose skills and experience make him the ideal candidate to continue and deepen these achievements.
A career dedicated to innovation and education
Before his appointment to the RSA, Gaspard Twagirayezu had already distinguished himself through his commitment to innovation in the education sector. As Minister of Education and then Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, he worked to transform Rwanda’s education system by promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. “STEM development is essential to prepare the next generation of innovators in Rwanda,” he often said. This vision laid the foundation for a stronger technological future for the country.
His career does not stop there. Gaspard Twagirayezu also served as a Senior Policy and Strategy Analyst in the Office of the President, where he contributed to national development strategies. This crucial role provided him with a broad vision of the country’s priorities in science and technology.
Rwanda’s future will depend on our ability to master space technologies and make them a lever for our development
On the academic front, Gaspard Twagirayezu holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a specialization in Engineering Management, from Oklahoma Christian University in the United States. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering there. Thanks to a presidential scholarship, he returned to Rwanda after his studies to contribute to STEM education projects, further strengthening the link between academic training and technological development in the country.
A new momentum for the Rwanda Space Agency
Established in 2020, the Rwanda Space Agency is tasked with developing Rwanda’s space capabilities and promoting space technologies to support the country’s socio-economic development. Under Gaspard Twagirayezu’s leadership, this institution aims to further engage with the international space community and strengthen its collaboration with African and global partners.
With his rich background in education, science policy, and technology transfer, Gaspard Twagirayezu is poised to lead the agency to new heights. One of his priorities will be to strengthen local expertise in key areas such as satellite technology, data analysis, and space exploration. This aligns with Rwanda’s broader goal of positioning itself as a hub for space innovation in Africa. As he mentioned in a recent speech, “Rwanda’s future will depend on our ability to master space technologies and make them a lever for our development.”
A promising future for Rwanda in the Space Sector
Under this new leadership, the Rwanda Space Agency is set to enter the next phase of its evolution. Gaspard Twagirayezu’s ambitions go beyond simple space exploration: he envisions Rwanda becoming a leader on the African continent, a role model in technological innovation. Building on the legacy of his predecessor, he intends to amplify efforts to attract investment in the sector and develop local training programs capable of creating an ecosystem conducive to space innovation.
Thus, Gaspard Twagirayezu’s appointment as head of the Rwanda Space Agency marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rwanda’s space sector. Driven by a clear strategic vision and a commitment to innovation, he is well-positioned to guide the agency through its next stages of development and realize Rwanda’s ambitions in the space domain.
