The ninth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition opened in Kigali on September 4 with a clear message: Africa must break down the barriers slowing its air transport growth. Rwandan President Paul Kagame set the tone, telling delegates that expensive air travel is crippling intra-African tourism and limiting regional connectivity. He urged policymakers and industry leaders to make aviation more affordable, efficient, and sustainable.
“Intra-African tourism is only 15 percent. Why? Because air transport is expensive,” Kagame told participants, pointing to the urgent need for reform. Despite growing demand, Africa still accounts for less than 5 percent of global air traffic. Without serious investment in modern infrastructure and technology, Kagame warned, the continent risks losing out on aviation’s economic potential.
“For Africa’s skies to truly be inclusive, and for our airports and air transport industry to drive economic growth, we must organise ourselves, invest in infrastructure, and embrace technology,” he said. Looking to the future, Kagame added that by 2044—when traffic is expected to double—African countries must be ready with safer, smarter, and more efficient skies.
Alan Peaford, chairman of the Aviation Africa Summit, echoed Kagame’s call, noting that poor connectivity, inefficiencies, and slow adoption of international standards remain key bottlenecks. Still, he stressed that the challenges are not insurmountable. “These challenges are resolvable if the industry and governments work together,” he said, emphasising the importance of collaboration.
The Kigali summit has drawn airline executives, aviation authorities, airport operators, and professionals from across Africa and beyond. Running for two days, the event also features an exhibition where about 100 companies are showcasing the latest technologies and services shaping the continent’s aviation future. Kagame himself toured the exhibition stands shortly after delivering his keynote.
Held under the theme “Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth — How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?” the summit reflects renewed urgency around the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Since its first edition in 2015, Aviation Africa has become a leading platform for policy dialogue, investment, and innovation—and this year, the push for a unified African airspace feels more pressing than ever.
