On 27th November 2024, ACEIoT hosted key partners from the drone industry and briefed them on the newly established Drone Knowledge & Skills Hub at the College of Science and Technology’s Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT).

The primary objective of the meeting was to introduce the concept of the new hub, gather valuable insights for its development, and explore collaborative opportunities to build a sustainable drone ecosystem.

During the meeting, participants shared their views on how the hub should operate to enhance the drone industry in Rwanda and beyond. They emphasized the need for establishing clear regulations for drone operations, and highlighted the importance of expanding beyond just drone flying to include areas such as drone design and development.

In his remarks, the Principal of the College of Science and Technology, Assoc.Prof. Ignace Gatare, commended the progress made so far in establishing the hub, particularly the ongoing training programs for drone operators. He urged trainees to ensure that the skills they are acquiring help drive growth in the drone industry. Assoc.Prof. Gatare also promised to continue organizing discussions aimed at refining the hub’s impact on the drone industry, both within Rwanda and globally.

The establishment of the Drone Knowledge & Skills Hub is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Rwanda, through the University of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board, and Auterion Ltd, a global leader in designing operating systems and software solutions for drones. The collaboration aims to create a hub focused on advancing drone technology and skills development in Rwanda.

The hub is located at the College of Science and Technology within the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), which already offers relevant modules in its curriculum.

The Drone Knowledge & Skills Hub is designed to empower Rwanda’s drone industry and facilitate its transformation of critical sectors, such as agriculture, health, and logistics. To date, two cohorts of 40 professionals have been trained in drone operations as part of this MoU.