Kigali, 22^nd February, 2017 - Rwanda has hosted the 5^th Aviation Africa Summit 2017 at the Convention Center, Kigali, Rwanda. The event is a two-day conference and exhibition focused on all aspects of the aviation industry including commercial, military, business, infrastructure, aviation training services, regulatory and safety.

The event is supported by the Rwandan Government, including the Ministry of Infrastructure, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and RwandAir under the theme “Aviation Africa-poised for growth”. Rwanda has committed to supporting Aviation Africa 2017 and ensuring that aviation related events grow in the country.

The two-day conference convenes over 500 delegates from 58 countries across the globe to discuss ways to develop the African aviation industry.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, the Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. James MUSONI said: “Rwanda is really excited to be hosting Aviation Africa in Kigali in 2017. Aerospace and aviation are extremely important sectors for our country and we are investing heavily in this sector through our airline, airport infrastructure and our people.

“We are confident that Aviation Africa will attract large numbers of participants and visitors through our invitation programme and look forward to welcoming the global aviation industry to Rwanda.”

At the Summit, government officials, investors, civil aviation authorities and airport management groups are discussing with consultants, architects, construction companies, equipment providers and service groups in order to better explore the market and support the project development.

The summit will create an opportunity for stakeholders dealing in aviation products and services to network, exchange knowledge, and forge mutually beneficial business relationships and good deals are expected to be made as well.

This is the best platform where the importance of aviation has been realized and the need for intra-continental connectivity in supporting the growth of tourism, hospitality and other sectors of the economy.

The Government of Rwanda has identified the aviation industry as an important sector for the country’s economy. In the last five years, over US $50 Million has been invested in renovating the Kigali International Airport and plans to build Bugesera International Airport are at an advanced level.

Rwanda has a uniquely open visa policy for all African and international visitors, operating a visa-on-arrival service. It has a strategic geographical location, a large investment in tourism and hospitality and high levels of security plus an aviation-friendly environment.

According to IATA’s latest forecast Rwanda is one of the 10 African countries whose aviation market is expected to grow by 7-8% each year on average over the next 20 years, doubling in size each decade.