RWANDA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Jean Pierre Kesteloot and Penina Ngabire, Liedekerke Great Lakes
Revamped legal framework Rwanda has recently updated its legal framework to better regulate its flourishing aviation industry. Among the recent changes are the following: • in 2024, Law No 007/2019 of 13/04/2019 establish - ing Rwanda civil aviation authority, was amended by Law No 024/2024 of 26/01/2024 amending Law No 007/2019 of 13/04/2019 establishing Rwanda civil aviation authority; • Law No 20/2018 of 29/04/2018 establishing regula - tions governing civil aviation was amended by law No 059/2024 of 20/06/2024 amending Law No 20/2018 of 29/04/2018 establishing regulations governing civil aviation; and • Ministerial Order, Rwanda Civil Aviation Special Regulations No RSR/01/2024 of 15 Novem - ber 2024, amending Ministerial Order No 01/ CAB.M/019 of 06/02/2019 amending Ministerial Order No 04/CAB.M/08 of 28/07/2028 establishing civil aviation regulations, was adopted. A Future Key Player in the Aviation Sector in Africa? The future of aviation in Rwanda seems bright. Rwan - da has already joined forces with Qatar Airways, a major stakeholder in the industry, to build a first-class international airport and expand RwandAir’s activities and reach. Rwanda will also continue to advocate for greater integration and trade on the African continent, and can already boast a modern, investor-friendly legal framework. These positive factors, alongside Rwanda’s central location, will undoubtedly contribute to increasing Rwanda’s strategic role in the aviation sector in Africa.
air transport is sometimes the only way to get from one place to another. It is no surprise, then, that Rwanda is at the forefront of AU initiatives aimed at boosting connections and trade between African countries. It knows that it is well equipped to be a catalyst for change, but also that its own development depends on it. Nor is it a coincidence that Qatar Airways has decid - ed to join forces with the Rwandan government and RwandAir to make Kigali its African hub. RwandAir For several years, Qatar Airways has been in talks with the Rwandan government, with a view to acquir - ing a 49% stake in the state-owned airline RwandAir. According to recent statements by both parties, nego - tiations are expected to conclude soon. This deal will allow Qatar Airways to expand its global reach to the African continent, with new destinations such as Bujumbura, Libreville and Douala. For its part, RwandAir plans to double its fleet in the coming years, from the 13 aircraft it operates today (three long-haul aircraft, nine short-haul aircraft and one freighter). The airline recently added an Airbus A330-200 to its fleet and launched direct flights between London and Kigali in November 2022 and between Paris and Kigali in June 2023 in response to growing customer demand. It also intends to develop cargo services, and has already acquired its first dedicated freighter, a B737-800 (SF), in late 2022.
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