• Rwanda and Senegal signed a bilateral air services agreement on September 8, 2025.
• The pact aims to strengthen RwandAir's West African presence and solidify Senegal's role as a regional aviation hub.
• This agreement follows increased diplomatic and presidential engagements between the two nations.

Rwanda and Senegal signed a bilateral air services agreement on September 8, 2025. This accord aims to facilitate and strengthen air transport between the two nations.

This agreement marks a significant step in developing regional connectivity and consolidating economic and commercial cooperation. Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, hailed it as a "major new stage," emphasizing that the partnership continues the already strong relations between Kigali and Dakar.

Aujourd’hui, le Rwanda et le Sénégal ont procédé à la signature d’un Accord bilatéral sur les services aériens, destiné à renforcer et à faciliter le transport aérien entre les deux pays. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/qSga3xa9C9

— Ministry of Infrastructure | Rwanda (@RwandaInfra) September 8, 2025

For Rwanda, this initiative addresses its desire to diversify its air routes. This comes notably after restrictions imposed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on its airspace. It will also allow Rwanda's national airline, RwandAir, to strengthen its presence in West Africa and support its ambition of becoming a continental aviation hub.

From Senegal's perspective, the agreement reinforces the role of Blaise Diagne International Airport as a regional platform. It should also promote tourism, academic exchanges, and economic partnerships with East Africa.

Relations between Kigali and Dakar have intensified in recent years, propelled by a common will to promote intra-African partnerships. Rwanda opened an embassy in Dakar in 2011, followed in 2020 by the inauguration of Senegal's diplomatic representation in Kigali.

In 2024, Presidents Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Paul Kagame met on several occasions. They discussed public governance, security, trade, and cultural exchanges. These meetings aim to establish a model of cooperation, founded on sharing experiences and promoting sustainable development.

This article was initially published in French by Charlène N’dimon

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum