Kigali, 22 May 2018: During the opening ceremony of the four-day Regional Safety Management Symposium in Kigali, the International Civil Aviation Organisation awarded Rwanda a certificate in recognition of the country’s improved competencies in overseeing and managing safety and security in the civil aviation sector.

The President of ICAO Council Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, handed the certificate to the Minister for Infrastructure, Amb. Claver Gatete. This follows last year’s ICAO audit findings on Rwanda’s compliance with Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme indicators, in line with the body’s safety-related Standards and Recommended Practices by the ICAO.

According to ICAO, Rwanda had achieved an overall result of 74 per cent in terms of aviation safety controls, well-above both African and global average.

In line with USOAP audit areas, ICAO’s assessment last year looked at eight audit areas for Rwanda’s aviation system, namely the legal framework, civil aviation organisational structure, personnel licensing activities, aircraft operations and aircraft’s suitability for safe flight, state of airports, air navigation services, as well as the capabilities to investigate accidents and serious incidents.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Aliu said “Given my personal focus on human resources development and the next generation of aviation professionals, it is my great pleasure today to highlight that for the critical element related to the qualifications of technical personnel, Rwanda now has a very impressive EI result of 74 per cent”. He also appreciated Rwanda’s investments in developing human resource capacity and identifying the competencies required to continue improving their safety oversight system.

Receiving the certificate on behalf of Government of Rwanda, Minister of Infrastructure, Amb. Gatete said “this award is an encouragement for the country’s goal to continue improving its aviation industry and being part of Africa’s Single Air Transport Market”.

He emphasised that Africa must “get ahead of aviation safety risks” and that “Africans want and deserve reliable and safe air transport”.

About ICAO

ICAO is a UN specialised agency that manages the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and works with the Convention’s 192 member states and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies.

The body’s activities are in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

ICAO| International Civil Aviation Organisation