By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
ASECNA
and the Government of Rwanda have signed two strategic memoranda of
understanding aimed at supporting the development of the New Kigali
International Airport in Bugesera and strengthening satellite-based navigation
systems across the continent.
The
agreements were formalised by ASECNA Director General Prosper Zo’o Minto’o
alongside Rwandan Minister Prudence Sebahizi and Minister Jimmy Gasore.
Under
the first agreement, ASECNA will provide technical support for the new airport
project, valued at approximately 2 billion US dollars. The facility is expected
to handle seven million passengers annually in its initial phase, with capacity
projected to increase to 14 million by 2032. ASECNA’s role will include
airspace design, calibration of navigation aids, and technical training for
operational teams.
The
second memorandum enables Rwanda’s integration into ASECNA’s ANGA programme,
which enhances GPS accuracy through satellite navigation technology. The
agreement also provides for the establishment of a control centre in Kigali to
support the system’s operations.
Rwanda,
which joined ASECNA as its 19th member state in 2024, continues to expand its
regional aviation and space infrastructure capabilities. The collaboration
follows earlier milestones, including the rollout of satellite-based procedures
at Rwanda’s existing airport in late 2024, and is expected to further improve
safety, efficiency, and connectivity in African air transport systems.
