African aviation stakeholders have renewed calls for faster implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and greater liberalization of the continent’s airspace as the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition concluded in Nairobi.
The two-day summit, held on September 9–10 at the Sarit Expo Centre, brought together governments, aviation regulators, airlines, airports, industry associations and other aviation stakeholders to discuss the development of the continent’s air transport sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) was among the international industry organizations represented at the summit.
Discussions at the summit focused on SAATM, aviation infrastructure, connectivity, digital innovation, safety, skills development and the regulatory environment, with participants examining measures to strengthen the continent’s aviation sector.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for stronger regional cooperation and accelerated implementation of SAATM, saying aviation was central to Africa’s economic integration.
“Aviation is not just a means of transportation. It is an enabler of trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange.”
Mudavadi said African countries needed to address the barriers that continue to limit connectivity between markets on the continent, including regulatory restrictions and infrastructure challenges.
The call was echoed by RwandAir Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Makolo, who urged African governments to move from commitments towards practical implementation of the continent’s open-skies agenda.
Makolo said African aviation needed stronger cooperation between governments and industry players to realise the objectives of SAATM and improve connectivity across the continent.
The discussions also highlighted the continued gap between Africa’s geographical proximity and the availability of direct air connections between its cities.
The summit brought together representatives from across the aviation value chain, including airlines, airports, regulators, manufacturers, aviation service providers and industry associations. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) hosted the 2026 edition in Nairobi.
The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) participated as an official supporting association, with the summit forming part of its industry engagements on the development of Kenya’s aviation sector.
The program also covered aviation safety and security, flight operations, air transport, air navigation services, maintenance, emerging aviation technologies, and digital innovation.
The summit is part of the Aviation Africa series, which brings together African and international aviation stakeholders for discussions on policy, investment, technology and the future development of the continent’s aviation industry.
