As Rwanda accelerates toward its Vision 2050 goals, engineering professionals are reassessing how their professional practice must evolve to match the country’s rapid development trajectory. These reflections took centre stage on December 16 during the 2025 Engineering Convention and Annual General Assembly, organized by the Institute of Engineers Rwanda (IER) under the theme “Aligning Engineering Professional Practice with Rwanda’s Vision 2050.” The convention brought together engineering professionals, policymakers, private sector leaders, academia, and development partners to take stock of progress made so far, while examining how infrastructure delivery, digital transformation, and innovation can be more closely aligned with national priorities. ALSO READ: Engineers body rallies members to sustain ACP impact, upgrade engineering skills Beyond routine professional matters, the forum is expected to shape national conversations on the implementation of the National Master Plan, the growing influence of artificial intelligence in engineering practice, and the need for stronger leadership and entrepreneurship within the profession. In his keynote address, the Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, framed the discussion around the gap that often exists between national ambitions and actual delivery on the ground. He noted that while Vision 2050 and the National Master Plan provide a clear strategic direction, it is engineering professionals who translate policy into functional infrastructure through design, execution, and long-term maintenance. “The decisions made and discussed here, especially in infrastructure and the built environment, will shape the country’s competitiveness and quality of life for decades,” Gasore said. “A vision only matters when it is translated into action. Engineering professionals are not just implementers; they are the designers and custodians of the future we are building.” The minister underscored the growing importance of quality, safety, and sustainability, stressing that how infrastructure is built is just as important as what is built. He encouraged engineering professionals to uphold professional standards, embrace digital tools such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, and strengthen their role in innovation and entrepreneurship. ALSO READ: Young engineering professionals gain soft skills to boost career prospects The conversation on digital transformation was reinforced by Eraste Rurangwa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, who highlighted how emerging technologies are reshaping engineering practice. He pointed to the increasing use of artificial intelligence, data systems, and smart technologies across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and urban development. “These tools can significantly improve efficiency, resilience, and decision-making,” Rurangwa said. “Every system we design today shapes how communities will live and interact for years to come. Technology must be applied responsibly, with trust, safety, and accountability at the centre.” ALSO READ: Institution of Engineers Rwanda enroll 120 new members, commit to professionalism He cautioned that innovation must go hand in hand with ethical practice, urging engineering professionals to align technological adoption with national priorities while safeguarding public interest, privacy, and long-term sustainability. From policy to personal responsibility For many practicing engineers, the convention was less about policy declarations and more about individual responsibility. Engineer Peace Liliose Buto said the discussions challenged participants to think beyond technical drawings and consider entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation as integral to their professional role. “The conversations made me reflect on how I can personally contribute to Vision 2050, especially by pushing sustainability in the projects we work on,” she said. Engineer Eric Rujugiro described the gathering as a critical space for understanding the country’s long-term direction and the expectations placed on the profession. “We learn where the country is heading and what is expected from us as engineers,” he said. “It helps us identify where we need to improve and which skills we must be prepared with for the future.”
