The African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) is the host of the Drones Knowledge and Skills Hub, following the signing of a MoU between the Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board, and Auterion Ltd – a global leader in drone operating systems and software solutions. This collaboration has already trained 40 professionals, marking a significant step toward advancing Rwanda’s drone industry.
The Hub’s mission is to equip Rwandan students and professionals with a comprehensive skill set spanning all aspects of the drone industry. By addressing immediate market needs and fostering long-term growth, the initiative aims to position Rwanda as a regional and continental leader in drone technology and innovation.
During the launch of the first training-of-trainers program, Assoc. Prof. Ignace Gatare, Principal of the College of Science and Technology, encouraged participants to think beyond the basics of flying drones. He urged them to focus on leveraging drone technology to address societal challenges and contribute to Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2). “Think of the end at the beginning,” he said. “How can we use drone technology to solve specific problems and drive meaningful change? You are the pioneers who will nurture the entire value chain of this industry.”
The training program covers a wide range of topics, including flight planning, drone assembly, programming, and operational deployment. Trainees, drawn from key institutions such as the University of Rwanda, the Ministry of Defense, Zipline, Locus Dynamics, the Rwanda Space Agency, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, are gaining hands-on experience to advance the sector and ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
Ms. Ester Poli, one of the trainees, shared her experience: “We’ve already conducted simulations using existing software to control flights, and we successfully tested these simulations with our machines. This training is a game-changer for the drone sector in Rwanda.”
The Hub is housed at the College of Science and Technology within the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things, which offers related modules in its curriculum.
