Rwanda : a center of excellence for aviation skills to drive national ambitions
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has launched the Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills (CEAS) Project. This groundbreaking initiative, valued at $26.6 million over five years, aims to cultivate a skilled workforce to meet national and international aviation training standards, propelling Rwanda towards its ambitious development goals.
Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s aviation sector as the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) join forces to inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills (CEAS) Project. This visionary initiative, funded by a five-year sovereign investment totaling $26.6 million, is poised to revolutionize aviation training standards and meet the growing demand within the industry.
At the heart of the project lies a commitment to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting national and international aviation training standards. Focused on accreditation and certification with renowned bodies such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the initiative aims to enhance institutional capacities to deliver top-notch training in line with global best practices.
Furthermore, the CEAS Project is closely aligned with Rwanda’s long-term development vision encapsulated in Vision 2050. This strategic plan underscores the imperative of nurturing core skills to propel Rwanda towards its goal of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050.
In alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the project reflects the aspirations of Goal 2, envisioning a continent characterized by well-educated citizens and a skills revolution driven by science, technology, and innovation.
A catalyst for transformative change in Rwanda’s aviation landscape
Aissa Touré, AfDB Country Manager, highlighted the project’s alignment with the Bank’s Country Strategy Paper for Rwanda (2022-2026) and its role in promoting private sector growth and productivity-led economic development. Additionally, the initiative resonates with Sustainable Development Goal 9, emphasizing the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure in promoting sustainable progress.
Echoing this sentiment, Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, hailed the project as a catalyst for transformative change in Rwanda’s aviation landscape. By establishing a cutting-edge center of excellence, the initiative not only strengthens infrastructure but also nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and paves the way for sustainable development. With optimism, Gatare envisions that CEAS will position Rwanda as a trailblazer in African aviation, catalyzing economic growth and prosperity.
As a leading pan-European development institution, AfDB is committed to fostering economic growth and social progress across the continent. With 81 member states, including 54 in Africa, the Bank’s development agenda aims to catalyze transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Similarly, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a beacon of economic transformation, envisioning Rwanda as a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. With a mission to fast-track economic development through private sector growth, RDB plays a key role in Rwanda’s journey towards prosperity.
In essence, the collaboration between AfDB and RDB underscores a shared commitment to advancing the aviation sector in Africa, propelling the continent towards a future characterized by excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
