Addressing over 2,000 participants, including airline executives, aviation experts, and investors, President Kagame emphasized that air transport is a cornerstone of economic development, and highlighted Rwanda’s efforts to expand RwandAir’s global destinations.

He said: "Since its inception, the Aviation Africa Summit has shown how quickly Africa’s aviation industry has grown. Yet our continent continues to face high operational costs and infrastructure gaps. This makes the movement of people and cargo more expensive than it should be. Travel should not only be for the rich."

President Kagame also highlighted Rwanda’s partnership with Zepline in using pilotless drones to deliver medical supplies, a system that has proven effective in providing fast, life-saving services. He noted that this model should be further developed and upgraded with modern technology, including exploring the use of pilotless aircraft to transport people like taxis.

He added that achieving Africa’s development goals requires a unified air transport market that eases the movement of people and goods across the continent. Rwanda continues to support the African Air Transport Market, recognizing its potential as a major economic driver.

The President further said: "We all need to work more closely with our continental institutions, notably the African Union and ASECNA. It is important to strengthen these institutions and ensure they are fit for purpose, to play a central role in achieving the vision of one sky and free movement on our continent. The bottom line is that we can achieve much more if we work together. We have all the resources and capabilities we need."

President Kagame also recalled Rwanda’s initiatives to remove barriers in aviation, including abolishing visas for African citizens, supporting women and girls to study aviation, and promoting technology adoption. He stressed that if implemented across the continent, such policies could expand the aviation market and foster innovation.

The Director-General of ASECNA, Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, also urged participants to collaborate and invest in the sector, emphasizing that the continent has the resources and capacity to achieve its aviation goals.

The 9th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition brought together over 2,000 participants from Africa and beyond, including airline executives, investors, and aviation experts, along with more than 100 exhibitors showcasing their contributions to Africa’s aviation industry.