Featured: University of Kigali steps up to support Rwanda’s logistics, transport transformation

As Rwanda races to become a regional logistics hub, the University of Kigali (UoK) is positioning itself at the centre of that transformation — training the experts, forging global partnerships and securing top international accreditations to power the country’s transport and supply chain revolution, according to the higher learning institution. In line with Rwanda’s Transport Sector Strategic Plan, UoK management says it is strengthening its role as a national leader in logistics, procurement and supply chain education. Through new academic programmes, high-level global partnerships and internationally recognised professional certifications, the university is responding directly to the country’s push for infrastructure modernisation, logistics efficiency, trade facilitation, aviation expansion, digital freight systems, and regional corridor competitiveness as priorities under the Transport Sector Strategic Plan. UoK’s academic and professional offerings directly respond to these priorities by developing highly skilled professionals capable of: managing multimodal transport systems; optimising freight corridors and warehousing networks; implementing digital supply chain solutions; strengthening public procurement systems and enhancing customs and cross-border trade efficiency, as per the university management. ALSO READ: Featured: University of Kigali opens new campus in Remera As highlighted in a recent feature engagement, the University is not only delivering academic excellence but actively strengthening Rwanda’s transport and supply chain ecosystem through strategic international partnerships, industry integration, and professional certification pathways. It has responded to a Transport and International Trade Logistics Skills gap by introducing undergraduate and Post Graduate Programmes. At undergraduate level, UoK offers Bachelor of Supplies & Procurement Management while at Graduate level, it offers a Master of Science in Procurement & Supply Chain Management. The University is currently developing a PhD in Supply Chain Management in Partnership with LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation. “The training targets international community with emphasis on the local market and the East African region.” Prof George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kigali said. Strategic partnerships and skills development A major milestone in this journey is UoK’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, Germany. This partnership enhances UoK’s capacity to deliver world-class logistics education, applied research, and industry-relevant training aligned with global standards. Through this collaboration, UoK gains access to: international logistics expertise and curriculum benchmarking; applied research collaboration in sustainable transport and supply chains; capacity building for faculty and researchers; industry-linked learning methodologies and exposure to global logistics best practices. The MoU significantly strengthens Rwanda’s human capital in logistics and transport management, directly supporting the country’s strategic goal of becoming a regional logistics hub, according to the University. ALSO READ: Featured: University of Kigali welcomes Prof. Olu Akinkugbe with sights on 'a new era of academic excellence and global engagement' Ronald Kwena, the Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation & Enterprise, underscored that by integrating global expertise from LEARN Logistics and aligning curriculum with national transport transformation goals, UoK ensures that its graduates are not only employable but are strategic contributors to Rwanda’s economic development. “What is important is ensuring that our graduates are relevant to the employment market,” Kwena stated. The University of Kigali has officially been awarded accreditations from the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT–UK) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS–UK) to offer their professional courses and support the two bodies with its “high caliber” examinations centers, unlocking the opportunity to deliver the complete suite of internationally recognised professional programmes. Further, both the programmes under Bachelor of Supplies & Procurement Management and Master of Science in Procurement & Supply Chain Management have been mapped by CILT-UK to allow their graduates to take out the professional certifications upon graduation starting in 2026. This was confirmed by Gachukia, a leading faculty member in Procurement and Logistics and Supply as he received the endorsement report from the CILT-UK. This dual accreditation positions UoK as a university in Rwanda authorised to offer the highest professional qualifications in procurement and logistics through both CIPS and CILT in Rwanda, “a true testament to our commitment to excellence, global standards, and industry-driven education,” according to the University. Beyond academic offerings, the University of Kigali, through its Centre for Applied Logistics and Supply Chain Management, also offers executive training in Logistics and Transportation. In 2025, the University offered Aviation Governance training for members of the Nigerian National Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate) at Kempinski Hotel, Accra Ghana. This high-level retreat, themed “Strengthening Legislative Oversight and Governance in Aviation Policy,” brought together distinguished participants including Members of the Nigerian National Assembly — led by Sen. Abdulfatai O. Buhari, (Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation); Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba (Chairman, House Committee on Aviation); alongside Capt. Chris O. Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; technical experts from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and scholars to engage in critical discourse on the future of air transport regulation in Africa.

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Featured: University of Kigali steps up to support Rwanda’s logistics, transport transformation