This week sees aviation leaders from across Africa gather in Abuja, Nigeria for the 7th Aviation Africa summit and the first to be hosted in West Africa. The event is being hosted by Times Aerospace, in association with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Under the theme ‘Stepping up for business’, this year’s event will address whether African carriers are ready to meet the International Air Transport’s (IATA’s ) forecast that passenger numbers on the continent will double by 2040. It will also look at whether governments will support the infrastructure and the environment to change the current situation where Africa accounts for 18% of the global population but provides just over 2% of the global air transport market.
Close to 1500 delegates from more than 75 countries are attending this year’s event, which also features a dedicated exhibition and networking space.
Opening this year’s symposium, Alan Peaford, Summit Chairman, said: “This is the first time we’ve hosted the summit in West Africa, but it’s not before it’s time. Nine years ago when the first summit was planned it was impossible to hold it on the continent. There were too many examples of visa restrictions for intra-African connectivity, hence the first summit being hosted in Dubai. But a year later and Rwanda had completed the process for visas on arrival thus paving the way for hosting the event for where it needed to be.”
Underlining that the enthusiasm, passion and commitment to the industry is apparent, he added: “There is no doubt that Nigeria is serious about its plans to finally develop a cohesive and competitive aviation industry.”
Peaford also highlighted that despite geo-political challenges, poor connectivity, a lack of investment in infrastructure and a shortage of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, Africa and West Africa in particular is stepping up its intent to recognise the value that aviation can bring to each country’s economy. “We’ve seen many new and often repeated initiatives and great ideas on the African continent but they’ve stumbled through inertia or strong resistance,” he said. “We have to find a way to change this, but it has to be the African way. There are shared goals but we have to recognise these can be achieved in a different way. For those outside the continent we must recognise we benefit from learning the African way.”
A special symposia programme will delve into areas like aviation finance; MRO and business aviation. Meanwhile, the plenary stage will be a platform for airports, regulators and airlines to address issues such as sustainability, diversity, future talent and competitiveness.
Closing his keynote speech Peaford noted, there is plenty to be excited about within the continent’s aviation sector. “Stakeholders across the continent are shaping the future for Africa and Africa’s future is for the world,” he concluded.
Regional Gateway is delighted to be supporting this year’s summit as a media partner with its Editor, Chloe Greenbank, moderating two panels on 14 September. One will look at how technology is enhancing efficiency within Africa’s airport community and transforming the way we travel. The other session will look at the challenges and opportunities for recruitment and retention of Africa’s future workforce.
