President Paul Kagame of Rwanda called on African nations to make air travel accessible to all, stressing that flying should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. His remarks came at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, held at Kigali Convention Center, which brought together over 2,000 participants from across the continent.
Addressing airline executives, aviation experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, Kagame highlighted the strategic role of aviation in Africa’s economic growth. “Although Rwanda continues to expand RwandAir’s global destinations, our continent still faces high travel costs and expensive infrastructure,” he said. “Air travel should not be reserved for the rich. We must work together to make it more accessible.”
The two-day summit, running September 4–5, gathered participants from airlines, airports, aerospace companies, regulators, and academia. Exhibitors numbered over 120, representing more than 90 aviation companies, showcasing innovations and technologies shaping Africa’s air transport sector.
Kagame also spotlighted Rwanda’s use of drone technology through Zipline, which delivers medical supplies to remote areas. “This initiative has improved service delivery and saved lives,” he said, adding that Rwanda is exploring ways to expand drone usage for commercial deliveries in urban centers.
The President underscored Rwanda’s role in piloting electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones capable of carrying people and cargo. Built by Chinese firm EHang, the drones operate on 100% electric power and could transform intra-city transport. “We are proud to be part of introducing this technology and are ready to collaborate on its development,” Kagame said.
He also emphasized regional cooperation, urging support for the African Union (AU) and the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA) to harmonize air transport policies across the continent. “Africans can achieve great things when we work together, leveraging our resources and capacities,” he said.
ASECNA Director-General Prosper Zo’o Minto’o reinforced the call for collaboration, noting gaps in infrastructure and capacity across Africa. “We must invest in technology and equipment to bring African aviation to modern standards. By working together, we can achieve our goals,” he said.
Kagame highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote inclusivity in aviation, including removing visa requirements for African travelers and encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in aviation. He noted that such policies could generate employment, foster innovation, and strengthen the continent’s air transport sector.
According to Kagame, air travel in Africa currently accounts for less than 5% of global air traffic, but demand is rising. He projected that by 2044, the number of passengers on the continent could double, reaching 411 million from today’s 180 million. “We must be ready with safe, efficient, and interconnected air transport systems,” he said.
The summit also featured discussions on harmonizing regulations, developing infrastructure, and nurturing talent in aviation, particularly among youth. Alan Peaford, summit director, commended Rwanda for hosting the event and highlighted the need for unified action to overcome persistent challenges in the sector.
Rwanda’s aviation sector, including RwandAir and Zipline, continues to serve as a model for leveraging innovation in air transport. Zipline, operational since 2016, has expanded to 654 health facilities nationwide, delivering blood, vaccines, and medicines using drones. Its operations now cover over 500 delivery routes, including urban and rural areas, with travel distances up to 160 kilometers at speeds of 130 km/h.
“The integration of drones into civil aviation has reduced delivery times, saved lives, and strengthened our economy,” Kagame said, noting that the technology is being tested in other countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Japan.
The Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2025 concluded with a call for stronger regional cooperation, investment in infrastructure, and adoption of technology to make African skies more accessible and economically vibrant.
