Kigali to Host Aviation Sustainability and Safety Summit

Kigali is set to welcome more than 400 aviation leaders, experts, and innovators from across the globe for the 13th the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Aviation Stakeholders Convention and the 2nd African Aviation Safety and Operations Summit this May.

The 13th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention and 2nd African Safety and Operations Summit will bring together the trailblazers of the aviation and travel ecosystem.

This annual event, from May 11-14, is designed to ignite meaningful dialogue, spark innovation, and forge powerful, sustainable networks across the industry.

Bringing together over 400 delegates from Africa and beyond, these twin events will spotlight innovation, collaboration, and resilience in the aviation sector.

This year’s convention is themed “Sustainability. Collaborate. Innovate,” while the safety summit will run under the theme “Strengthening Safety Culture for Resilient Aviation in Africa.”

Hosted by RwandAir, the official carrier, and spearheaded by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), the week-long convening is designed to foster powerful conversations, partnerships, and policies that shape the future of air transport across the continent.

Abderahmane Berthe, secretary general of AFRAA, said the event offers a critical platform to engage on issues that matter most to African carriers.

“These forums are vital for exchanging insights, building synergies, and ensuring the growth of a connected and sustainable African aviation industry,” he said.

RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said Kigali is proud to host industry leaders at a time when the continent is rethinking its aviation strategy.

“Sustainability is a top priority—investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, exploring sustainable aviation fuel, and reducing our environmental footprint are no longer optional,” she said.

“We must also push for more cooperation to strengthen African aviation’s position on the global map.”

Dr Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, noted that improving safety standards in African aviation is not just a technical challenge but a cultural one.

“The safety summit will focus on strengthening safety culture across the board. It’s about building resilience, sharing best practices, and staying ahead of evolving risks,” he said.

Beyond policy discussions, the convention and summit will feature exhibitions, workshops, and B2B engagements aimed at strengthening networks across the aviation value chain—from carriers and regulators to airports, manufacturers, and service providers.

Set against Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and renowned hospitality, the events promise an inspiring atmosphere for advancing Africa’s aviation agenda.

While safety has significantly improved over the past decade, African aviation still faces challenges with infrastructure gaps, regulatory alignment, and resource limitations.

According to IATA, the continent’s safety performance continues to improve, but collaborative efforts like these remain critical to meeting global standards, reducing accident rates, and building trust among travelers and investors alike.

The event is being touted as a vibrant platform for thought leaders and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and exchange groundbreaking insights, experiences, and strategies that will shape the future of travel and aviation.