The facility, poised to help ensure helmets used by motorbike and moped riders meet national safety standards, has been established with support from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Located at the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the laboratory enables conformity assessment of helmets based on the RS 576: 2024 Protective helmets for motorcycle and moped users – Specification, reinforcing the country’s commitment to road safety.
The launch, attended by over 200 participants was officiated by the Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and FIA Foundation Chairman David Richards.
It featured a guided tour of RSB’s testing laboratory, live demonstrations on proper helmet usage, and insightful discussions on the critical role of safety standards in the transport sector.
At the official launch, Minister Gasore said this laboratory will strengthen the country’s commitment to road safety by ensuring helmets meet quality standards.
“It’s a critical step in protecting lives and reducing road accidents. By collaborating with the FIA and the FIA Foundation, we are not only enhancing safety measures but also reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a leader in promoting sustainable and responsible mobility," he said.
FIA Foundation Chairman, David Richards CBE noted that the launch of Africa’s first-ever helmet testing facility marks a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to combat the rising number of motorcycle crash deaths and injuries.
“The FIA Foundation is proud to have supported the Tuwurinde Project in collaboration with local NGOs, government partners, and international development agencies,” he said
He appreciated Rwanda’s efforts in introducing helmet standards and the new regulation to assess the quality of new helmets demonstrates a bigger commitment of adopting best practices in the region.
“This initiative is an important blueprint for other countries across the region, and the world, who are looking for ways to adapt and manage their rising motorcycle fleet," he emphasized.
As part of the activities embroiled in the 2024 FIA Annual General Assembly underway in Kigali, the Rwanda Automobile Club announced plans to donate 5,000 certified helmets across Rwanda alongside an education program for over 10,000 riders.
In the same regard, FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that safety is at the heart of the FIA stands and expressed delight to witness the work taking place here in Rwanda.
“As a Federation, we are at the forefront of safety innovation and it is important that we continue working closely with our global communities to improve road safety outcomes,” he said.
On his part, Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, expressed optimism on the development.
"Road safety remains a priority, and initiatives like ’Safe Helmet’ play a vital role in protecting lives. We are committed to working alongside RSB and FIA Foundation to ensure all taxi-moto riders in Rwanda have access to certified helmets, contributing to safer roads for everyone."
On behalf of the Association of Taxi-Motos, Emmanuel Munyurangabo, pledged commitment as people at the front lines of road transport.
“Access to quality helmets not only ensures their safety but also enhances public confidence in using moto-taxis. We fully endorse this initiative and will advocate for its widespread adoption,” he said.
The helmet testing facility launch and donation from the FIA follows the introduction of Rwanda’s first motorcycle helmet standard regulation which was published in 2024. Head trauma is the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders, who make up a third of Rwanda’s road deaths.
Safe, quality helmets reduce the risk of death by over six times and brain injury by up to 74%, according to the World Health Organization. Other Tuwurinde project include UNRSF, UNECA and UNECE.
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