Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RwandAir, is one of the few exceptional leaders in Africa’s aviation sector. Her leadership has made the airline a formidable force in Africa’s aviation industry. Founded in 2002, the airline operates from its hub at Kigali International Airport and serves destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. As Rwanda positions itself as a regional aviation hub, the company has become a critical player in enhancing its global connectivity.
A Career Marked by Strategic Vision
Yvonne Manzi Makolo joined RwandAir in 2017 as Deputy CEO of Corporate Affairs, bringing a strong strategic planning and corporate governance background from her previous role at MTN Rwanda. In April 2018, she was appointed CEO, making her one of the few women globally to lead a major airline.
Since then, her leadership has been characterised by ambitious growth, operational excellence, and meaningful global partnerships. Makolo has focused on expanding RwandAir’s route network and improving performance metrics.
Driving Growth and International Alliances
Under her stewardship, RwandAir has added new routes, including Guangzhou in China, and expanded services to the Middle East, West Africa, and Europe. These strategic additions have enhanced the airline’s international profile and supported Rwanda’s goal of becoming a central transit point in Africa.
One of her most significant moves was strengthening ties with Qatar Airways through a codeshare agreement and collaboration on Rwanda’s upcoming international airport. These partnerships are crucial to RwandAir’s long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.
In 2023, the airline recorded a remarkable 82% increase in revenue, rising to RWF 620.6 billion (approximately $439 million), up from RWF 341 billion ($241 million) in 2022. This growth was driven by rising tourism, expanded cargo operations, and Kigali’s growing importance as a transit hub.
Focused on Excellence and Safety
Makolo has also championed service excellence. RwandAir became the first African airline to achieve Diamond status in the APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying—an acknowledgement of its outstanding commitment to passenger health and hygiene.
Makolo has ambitious plans to double RwandAir’s fleet within the next five years, growing to 25 aircraft. In an interview with The New Times, she noted:
“The national carrier RwandAir expects to double its fleet to 25 planes over the next five years to better connect to underserved markets in Africa and boost the continent’s reach to global destinations including the Middle East.”
This planned expansion aims to meet rising demand for passenger and cargo services while increasing access to underserved African markets.
A Global Influence
Beyond RwandAir, Makolo’s influence resonates across the aviation industry. In 2023, she made history as the first woman appointed Chair of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors. This groundbreaking role underscores her impact on the global stage and her commitment to shaping the future of international air travel.
