KIGALI, RWANDA – As the 13th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Aviation Stakeholders Convention unfolds in Kigali, RwandAir Ltd has seized the opportunity not only to play host but to declare its intent: to lead a collective push toward a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable African aviation ecosystem. Against the backdrop of rising passenger demand and shifting global travel dynamics, the event serves as a landmark moment for the continent’s aviation industry.
Held under the theme “Collaborating to Shape Africa’s Aviation Future,” the summit has gathered a powerhouse lineup of industry stakeholders—ranging from airline CEOs, regulators, service providers, and tourism boards, to digital solution innovators. RwandAir’s commitment to hosting the AFRAA convention in Kigali signifies more than hospitality—it represents a strategic vision for transforming Africa’s air travel sector into a globally competitive force.
Intent Statement by RwandAir: Leading by Example
In her welcome address, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and President of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), emphasized the host’s intent:
“Africa has the potential to be a leader in global aviation, but we must do this together—through integration, innovation, and responsible growth. RwandAir is proud to host this vital platform and contribute to building a future where African travelers can fly seamlessly across our borders with safety, sustainability, and connectivity at the forefront.”
This strong statement encapsulates the driving force behind RwandAir’s strategic vision and aligns with its continued investment in fleet modernization, route expansion, and safety standards. As a rising star in the region, RwandAir is setting a precedent for national carriers across Africa.
Key Challenges Spotlighted During the Convention
While the summit radiates optimism, it does not shy away from the pressing challenges that continue to restrain Africa’s aviation sector. Experts at the convention have highlighted four primary hurdles:
1. Limited Intra-African Connectivity
Despite improvements, only about 19% of African air traffic remains within the continent. Many routes between African cities still require connections through Europe or the Middle East. This undermines efficiency and raises costs for travelers.
2. Slow Implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)
The SAATM initiative, which aims to liberalize airspace among African Union member states, is yet to be fully embraced. While 35 countries have signed the pact, fewer than 15 have fully implemented its guidelines. This bottleneck continues to prevent open skies and hinders competition and affordability.
3. High Operational Costs
African airlines face operating costs nearly 30% higher than the global average. These include fuel prices, taxes, airport charges, and maintenance fees. As a result, air travel remains disproportionately expensive for most Africans.
4. Digital Infrastructure Gaps
Although progress has been made in digital transformation, 50% of African airports still lack robust digital check-in, baggage handling, or real-time passenger service systems. This gap in tech adoption affects passenger experience and limits operational efficiency.
Why This Matters for Travel Agents and the Wider Industry
For travel agents, tour operators, and logistics professionals, the AFRAA summit is more than a policy roundtable—it’s a window into the future of African tourism and mobility. The discussion around sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), AI-driven airport operations, and regional airline cooperation offers practical pathways to tailor better, greener, and faster travel experiences for clients.
Moreover, the 35% increase in air connectivity and 50% rise in digital adoption across the continent (2020–2025) are turning theoretical possibilities into real-world opportunities. With Rwanda as an example—offering visa-free access to all Africans and a well-connected airline—travel professionals can now start curating itineraries that rely on intra-African routes without reverting to non-African hubs.
The Kigali Declaration: Towards a Unified African Sky
A draft declaration proposed by AFRAA calls for accelerated implementation of SAATM, more cooperation among airlines through code-sharing and alliances, and greater investment in infrastructure modernization. If adopted widely, this “Kigali Declaration” could become a turning point for air travel across the continent.
Looking Ahead: The Role of Collaboration
The convention concludes with targeted B2B networking sessions, workshops on sustainable financing, and technology showcases. For travel professionals, the message is clear: the future of aviation in Africa will be built not just by airlines and governments, but through partnerships that span sectors and countries.
As RwandAir and its continental partners forge new paths, the ripple effects will benefit travelers, tourism stakeholders, and African economies at large. For now, all eyes are on Kigali, where Africa’s skies are being reshaped—one policy, one partnership, and one runway at a time.
