Keypoints:
- Kagame warns aviation costs stifle growth
- Kigali summit calls for open skies
- Industry urged to invest and collaborate
THE ninth Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition opened in Kigali on September 4 with a strong call for governments to dismantle barriers limiting the continent’s air transport growth.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame told delegates that the high cost of air travel continues to stifle intra-African tourism and regional connectivity, urging 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 said.
Africa lags in global traffic share
Despite growing demand, Africa accounts for less than 5 percent of global air traffic. Kagame warned that unless the continent invests in modern infrastructure and technology, it risks missing out on the sector’s economic potential.
‘For Africa’s skies to truly be inclusive, and for our airports and air transport industry to participate fully in economic growth, we must organise ourselves, invest in infrastructure, and embrace technology,’ he said.
Looking ahead, Kagame said African states must be prepared for projected growth. ‘By 2044, when traffic is expected to double, we should be ready with skies that are safe and efficient, and a unique African airspace that is truly homogeneous,’ he added.
Collaboration key to aviation growth
Alan Peaford, chairman of the Aviation Africa Summit, echoed the call for reform. He said poor intra-African connectivity, operational inefficiencies and slow adoption of international standards continue to undermine the sector’s performance. However, he stressed that collective action can address these bottlenecks.
‘These challenges are resolvable if the industry and governments work together,’ Peaford noted.
Kigali hosts aviation showcase
The summit has attracted airline executives, aviation authorities, airport operators and industry professionals from across Africa and beyond. Running over two days, it includes an exhibition with up to 100 companies showcasing technologies and services supporting the continent’s aviation development.
President Kagame toured the exhibition stands shortly after delivering his address.
The event, which concludes on September 5, is being held under the theme ‘Collaborating to unlock Africa’s growth — How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?’
The Aviation Africa Summit, first held in 2015, has become a key annual platform for discussing policy, investment and innovation across the sector. This year’s edition reflects renewed urgency to advance the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agenda, seen as vital for unlocking aviation-led economic growth.
