Rwanda’s engineering sector has received an uplift with the addition of 291 newly accredited professional engineers expected to strengthen standards, ethics, and the delivery of quality engineering services locally and across the region.

The professionals were inducted by the Institute of Engineering Rwanda, which said the growing number of certified experts reflects increasing professional recognition and efforts to strengthen the country’s engineering capacity.

According to the Institute, this year’s increase in numbers follows a revision of the law that now allows non-Rwandan residents to join the Institute and operate legally. This change has enabled many professionals to obtain the necessary credentials and continue their work in Rwanda as they would in their home countries.

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The newly accredited professionals, who completed both their academic training and a mandatory two-year practical experience under the supervision of certified engineers, were briefed on the benefits of joining the Institute.

These include access to professional, technical, and strategic opportunities that support individual career growth and help advance the engineering sector in Rwanda.

Others are focused on building members’ capacity through training workshops, seminars, and conferences, as well as technical certifications and professional development programmes.

Members gain access to up-to-date industry knowledge including Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and global best practices, helping them stay competitive and keep up with changing engineering standards.

In addition, members benefit from networking and collaboration opportunities, advocacy and representation, and greater professional recognition and credibility. They also have access to industry information and resources, opportunities for career growth, participation in national development, and guidance on ethical standards and professional integrity.

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Engr. Gentil Kangaho, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Engineering Rwanda, said the new cohort joined at a time when the Institute is flourishing and gaining growing recognition for its work, noting that the addition of new professionals is highly significant to its continued growth and development.

"There was mobilisation to acquire new members including professional engineers from different countries. The government was supportive and different institutions were involved to bring them on board,” he said.

"We urge them to uphold ethical standards because taking oath means they&039;re legally bound to law and expected to deliver accordingly,” he added.

Among the newly accredited professionals is Engr Aline Sine, a specialist in Water and Environmental Engineering. She described the accreditation as timely, pointing out that Institute membership reflects professional support, commitment, and a drive for development.

She added that it is particularly significant for women entering what is often considered a male-dominated field, demonstrating that they can perform and excel on equal footing.

"This shows that we have support and that we truly value our profession,” Sine said. "I couldn’t do any better without joining, and I’m excited about future endeavours.”

"I would tell my fellow women that this is a field like any other. Being a member and earning the certificate is very encouraging and boosts confidence in doing your work while feeling valued. We are ready to deliver,” she added.

Jean de Dieu Nshimiyimana, a civil engineer, noted that expectations are now higher since he will be operating legally, which will reassure tender issuers about their activities and encourage better collaboration.

"I wouldn’t say they have been incurring losses by awarding tenders to those who are not members of an institute, but giving a project to a qualified professional ensures quality service. That is guaranteed,” he said.

IER members have access to practicing not only in Rwanda but also across East African Community (EAC) member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan, under the Mutual Recognition Agreement signed by the five countries.