The Governments of Rwanda and Senegal have today signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) in Kigali, marking a historic step towards enhancing air transport connectivity and deepening cooperation in the aviation sector between the two countries.

The agreement, aligned with the Yamoussoukro Declaration on the Liberalization of Air Transport in Africa, provides a framework that allows airlines from both Rwanda and Senegal to operate passenger, cargo, and mail services between and beyond the two nations.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized the significance of this milestone in strengthening bilateral relations:

“This Bilateral Air Services Agreement establishes a framework enabling the airlines of both countries to operate air transport services — the fastest mode of transport — to facilitate the movement of our people, the transportation of goods and mail, with the aim of strengthening our commercial ties.”

Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore and Hon. Yankhoba Dième formalized the Bilateral Air Services Agreement on behalf of Rwanda and Senegal

The Minister further noted that the agreement is the outcome of close consultations between the civil aviation authorities of both countries, supported by their respective diplomatic services, reflecting the dynamism and shared determination of Rwanda and Senegal to strengthen cooperation.

Beyond connectivity, the BASA is expected to:Open and connect markets between Rwanda and Senegal, Facilitate trade and investment opportunities, Enhance people-to-people exchanges and Support regional integration by linking both countries into wider supply chains.

Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore highlighted the broader impact of this partnership:

“This Agreement represents a major milestone that further strengthens our already excellent relations by fostering greater cooperation between our two countries, while ensuring more reliable and economically beneficial air services between and beyond our respective States.”

The Minister also underlined the next steps, noting that the agreement will undergo the constitutional ratification processes in both countries to enable its full implementation.

In conclusion, Minister Gasore reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to advancing aviation as a driver of economic growth and integration:

“Rwanda remains firmly committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Senegal. This Agreement will serve as a catalyst for future collaboration in trade, tourism, and development, offering a predictable framework for airlines to operate, while providing passengers from both nations with more reliable and affordable choices.”

The signing of this BASA reaffirms Rwanda’s vision of positioning aviation as a critical enabler of connectivity, economic transformation, and continental integration, in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.