Kigali is once again at the center of Africa’s aviation dialogue as it hosts the 2025 Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition from September 4 to 5, focusing on low-carbon flights and emerging trends.
Bringing together top aviation industry executives, policymakers, regulators, and innovators, the event is themed, “Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Growth How Can Africa Deliver a Sustainable Aviation Industry?”At least 1,700 participants and around 120 exhibitors, including airline manufacturers, are expected to attend, according to the organizers.
The summit is hosted by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, Rwanda Airports Company, and Akagera Aviation, under the authority of Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure.
Innovation and Focus on Emerging Trends
Speaking to The New Times on September 3, the Director General of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, Silas Udahemuka, said the event will allow aviation industry players to share ideas, collaborate, and advance programs that are meaningful in evolving trends in technology, liberalization of airspace, carbon emissions, and more.
Udahemuka said participants gain insight into the direction the industry is taking. This is the fourth time Rwanda is hosting the summit, out of nine editions held so far across the continent.
“This summit will also explore new entrants, like urban air mobility, drone operations including air taxis, aerial photography, and home delivery you name it,” he said.
The official noted that drones are new entrants in the industry and could be useful in utilizing low-altitude airspace.
“The low-altitude airspace is underutilized, and we want to encourage the introduction of these operations by unmanned systems,” he stated.At the event, he said participants will also discuss reducing carbon emissions. Unlike traditional air transport systems, drones do not use conventional fuel (associated with emissions); instead, they run on lithium batteries.
Cost of Flying in Africa
Regarding whether the summit will address the high cost of air travel within Africa, Udahemuka said there will be discussions on that topic as well.
“The broader program is called SAATM, the Single African Air Transport Market, and it’s part of the AU Agenda 2063, aimed at reducing the cost of air travel.”
Key Exhibitors
According to the organizers, exhibitors include European aerospace corporation Airbus; Pratt & Whitney Canada, a manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units; African Drone Forum; African Airlines Association (AFRAA); Akagera Aviation; RwandAir; China Airport Construction Co., Ltd.; and Ethiopian MRO Services the maintenance, repair, and overhaul division of Ethiopian Airlines.
