The Aviation AFRICA Summit and Exhibition is making its long-awaited return to Kigali, Rwanda this September, following a three-year break. The event will be hosted by the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, and the Rwanda Airports Company.
With DAR Al-Handasah joining as the platinum sponsor, the summit promises to highlight the key developments transforming Africa’s aviation industry and accelerating progress toward a unified and connected air transport network.
Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Aviation Growth
Operating under the theme “Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Aviation Growth”, the summit will gather industry leaders from across the aviation ecosystem. Attendees will include government officials, heads of civil aviation authorities, airline executives, airport managers, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance and repair organizations (MROs), and suppliers. Keynote addresses and panels will delve into challenges and opportunities for the continent’s aviation future, with Rwanda’s national carrier CEO, Yvonne Makolo, expected to outline strategic plans aligning with the country’s flagship Bugesera International Airport project.
The new Bugesera airport, once complete, will feature a state-of-the-art terminal spanning 130,000 square meters, designed to handle up to 8 million passengers per year, with expansion potential to support more than 14 million. It will also include a dedicated cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 150,000 tons. DAR Al-Handasah, a key contributor to the airport’s engineering and project management, will provide insight into the project’s scope during the summit, engaging with stakeholders on infrastructure planning and supply chain collaboration.
This year’s summit will also shine a light on airport security, airspace safety, and the rapid emergence of advanced aviation technologies, including eVTOLs. Through a partnership with the African Drone Forum, attendees will explore the role of aerial mobility in Africa’s future. Ethiopian Airlines is expected to share its vision for establishing a regional air taxi network, supported by aircraft manufacturer Archer, which plans to provide technical teams to facilitate the rollout of its Midnight aircraft in Ethiopia.
Regulatory reform will be another focal point, with voices from across the continent addressing existing barriers. Representatives from civil aviation authorities, including the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), will participate in discussions centered around unlocking the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). These sessions aim to create a more open, efficient, and integrated airspace across Africa.
The summit will also tackle issues such as air traffic control, risk and safety management, wildlife hazards, sustainability, and the evolving MRO landscape. A notable panel led by Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA), will confront the geopolitical and operational challenges that affect collaboration in the region. With backing from organizations like AFRAA and the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA), discussions are expected to be candid and solutions-focused.
Major aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer will be in attendance, sharing market forecasts and perspectives on Africa’s growing air travel demand. The event’s inclusive structure allows ample networking, making it a valuable platform for suppliers, service providers, and regulators to connect and shape the future of African aviation.
Organized by TIMES Aerospace Events, this Kigali summit marks the ninth edition of the Aviation AFRICA series, which has previously been held in Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Rwanda.