Aviation Africa Summit : Kagame Calls For Collaboration

A two-day Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition has rounded off in Kigali with a call for countries to open up Africa's skies and invest in a strong and more dynamic aviation sector. The 9th Summit that ended last Friday under the theme, “Collaborating to unlock Africa's growth-How can Africa deliver a sustainable aviation industry?” brought representatives from airlines, airports, aviation authorities, and industry professionals from across the continent and beyond.
Speaking during the Summit, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame said, “The high cost of air travel remains a barrier to tourism and connectivity across Africa. Noting that Africa’s skies must be opened to better serve citizens, businesses, and the wider economy.” He emphasized the need for African nations to work together to overcome the operational inefficiencies that continue to hinder the growth of the aviation industry on the continent. “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 concluded.
Alan Peaford, chairman of the Africa Aviation Summit, noted that poor intra-African connectivity, operational inefficiencies, and slow adoption of international standards are holding Africa back, but emphasized that these challenges can be resolved with collaboration.
Kagame also toured the exhibition, which features up to 100 exhibitors showcasing their contribut...