On 18th March 2026, the ACEIoT’s Drones Knowledge and Skills Hub proudly celebrated the successful completion of a 5-week training program in drone technologies by 62 participants, including students, alumni, and staff.

The milestone was marked by an official certificate-awarding ceremony, recognizing their commitment to acquiring cutting-edge technical skills.

The training was delivered through the university’s Drones Knowledge & Skills Hub in collaboration with GIZ Rwanda and New Generation Rwanda. This partnership reflects a shared vision of equipping individuals with practical, future-ready competencies that respond to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Over the course of five (5) weeks, participants were introduced to the fundamental components of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drone architecture, payload systems, and their diverse applications across multiple sectors.

The program combined theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on training, enabling participants to gain practical experience in operating drones and applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Damien Hanyurimfura, Director of the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACeIoT), highlighted that the Centre is committed to advancing technologies that contribute to the country’s ambition of becoming a technology hub.

He noted that this vision informed the establishment of the Drones Knowledge & Skills Hub under the Centre, as a platform to build practical expertise and foster innovation
Drone technology continues to play an increasingly important role in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure development, and disaster management.

Norman Schräpel, Head of Clusters – Digital Transformation & Digital Economy/ Good governance at GIZ Rwanda emphasized that promoting digital innovation is one of GIZ’s priorities in advancing the country’s economy.

By offering this training, the University of Rwanda is taking a significant step toward empowering its community with skills that are not only relevant today but also critical for the future.

The graduates expressed satisfaction with the training and committed to sharing their newly acquired skills with other professionals.

The graduates are expected to leverage their newly acquired skills to contribute to solving real-world challenges and advancing technology-driven solutions in their respective fields.