Kent State, The American University Helping Train Rwanda's Future Aviators - KT PRESS

Kent State, The American University Helping Train Rwanda's Future Aviators describes an expanding aviation-training partnership aimed at building Rwanda’s pilot pipeline. Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering has partnered with Rwanda to train the next generation of pilots, with students traveling from Rwanda to Ohio for instruction. Reporter Clay Lepard said five Rwandan students were selected from more than 2,600 applicants, including Milka Isingizwe, whose journey involved three flights and more than 8,000 miles. Rwanda is investing to position itself as “the hub for sub-Saharan and Central Africa,” according to Kent State’s Mo McFarland. The article notes that Africa may need tens of thousands of new pilots over the next two decades as air travel expands; Boeing’s outlook estimates about 23,000 new pilots are needed. Beyond pilots, Rwanda is developing Bugesera International Airport, and plans a Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills opening around 2028 to train 70–80 pilots annually and strengthen broader aviation roles.