Why it Matters
- Rwanda’s aviation model demonstrates how policy reform and innovation can drive growth without major financial outlay, creating a replicable framework for other African states.
- The country’s open-skies policy, visa-free entry and virtual border system illustrate how technology and trust can enable secure, seamless travel across the continent.
- Early adoption of drone logistics and autonomous air-taxi technology shows the potential for African-led innovation in aviation, supported by clear regulation and political will.
- Rwanda’s approach underscores that collaboration, shared infrastructure and harmonised regulation are essential to achieving the vision of a unified and competitive African air transport market under SAATM.
At the recent Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, held between 28 and 31 October 2025, a panel discussion on Financing and Modernising African Civil Aviation Infrastructure brought together airline leaders, policymakers, financiers and regulators to examine how investment in aviation infrastructure can accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The session sought to position Africa’s airspace as a key investment opportunity, focusing on using SAATM to create a unified and open airspace that will significantly boost trade and tourism across the continent.
As part of the panel, Dr Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda, responded to questions on the policies that have positioned Rwanda as one of Africa’s leading aviation success stories. Rwanda has successfully attracted investment for the new Bugesera International Airport and pioneered Africa’s first autonomous air-taxi initiative.
Dr Gasore said Rwanda’s success begins with belief — belief in its own capability, in Africa’s potential, and in the importance of connectivity. The government, he explained, adopted an open-sky mindset backed by concrete policy actions. Rwanda has signed bilateral air-service agreements with 134 countries, covering all African states and territories except two, with negotiations underway to complete the remaining agreements. Wherever possible, these are aligned with the Yamoussoukro Decision to ensure compliance with Africa’s open-skies principles.
He emphasised that Rwanda’s openness extends beyond aviation agreements to visa policy. The country removed visa requirements for travellers from every nation, including all African countries. Dr Gasore explained that this was achieved without compromising security through the implementation of a virtual border system. Under this model, immigration authorities begin processing passenger information as soon as a flight or cross-border bus ticket is booked. By the time the traveller arrives at the airport, officials already know who is coming and the reason for travel. In exceptional cases, travel can be prevented before boarding. He said this demonstrates that technology can enable openness while maintaining security standards.
Dr Gasore highlighted innovation as another cornerstone of Rwanda’s aviation development. The country positioned itself early as a hub for testing emerging technologies. A decade ago, Rwanda introduced drone-based medical deliveries, becoming the first nation in the world to use drones for the transport of blood and medical supplies to remote regions. The start-up that launched the project in Rwanda has since become a global enterprise operating in several developed markets. Building on that foundation, Rwanda has moved to pilot autonomous air-taxi operations, again providing a regulatory environment where innovation can progress ahead of global trends.
He noted that these policies, openness, innovation and proactive engagement, have combined to make Rwanda an environment that investors trust and one where aviation opportunities are tangible.
Closing his remarks, Dr Gasore encouraged African states to take actions that require no immediate financial cost, such as opening skies, enhancing cooperation and coordinating infrastructure development. He said the continent cannot sustain more than fifty national airlines operating independently and called for shared resources in areas such as training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and capacity building. Pooling expertise, he added, will make Africa’s aviation sector more competitive internationally and improve the quality of service for passengers across the continent.
Dr Gasore concluded that collaboration, innovation and openness remain key to building a unified and sustainable African airspace aligned with the vision of the Single African Air Transport Market.
