Media Sponsor, AviaDev
From Gaborone To Lusaka, Discover How Africa’s Premier Aviation Forum Is Connecting Airlines, Airports, Tourism Boards And Investors To Reshape The Future Of African Skies
The curtains have officially fallen on AviaDev Africa 2026, held from 10–12 June 2026 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana. Yet, for the hundreds of aviation leaders, airline executives, airport authorities, tourism boards, financiers and service providers who gathered there, this wasn’t the end of a conference, it was the beginning of new partnerships, new routes and new opportunities for African aviation.
AviaDev has long established itself as Africa’s premier platform dedicated to improving air connectivity across the continent. Unlike conventional aviation conferences, the event is built around one clear objective: creating meaningful business connections that translate into real air routes, stronger tourism, increased trade and sustainable economic growth. With more than 500 delegates, representatives from 48 airlines, participants from 50 countries, and over 1,500 pre-arranged business meetings, Gaborone once again became the meeting point where Africa’s aviation future was actively negotiated.
More Than Conversations—Real Solutions for African Aviation
This year’s programme reflected the realities facing African aviation today. Rather than merely discussing industry trends, delegates focused on solving the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Among the headline discussions were:
- Financing African aviation and attracting capital to support fleet expansion.
- Aircraft leasing models suited to African carriers.
- Managing investment risk across African markets.
- Fleet planning strategies aligned with route development.
- The growing role of aviation data in commercial decision-making.
- Building sustainable air connectivity across Africa.
- Strengthening partnerships between airlines, airports and tourism authorities.
A major highlight was the newly introduced Finance & Leasing Forum, which brought together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, financiers, leasing companies and development finance institutions to bridge one of African aviation’s biggest challenges, access to aircraft financing.
Real-world case studies, including Airlink’s Embraer E195-E2 acquisition, gave delegates practical insights into structuring successful fleet investments while managing commercial risk. The emphasis throughout was clear: African aviation growth requires innovative financing just as much as it requires ambitious airlines.
Air Connectivity Is Economic Connectivity
Throughout the three-day event, one message resonated across every session: improving air access is about far more than moving passengers.
Better connectivity drives tourism arrivals, stimulates trade, encourages investment, creates employment and strengthens regional integration. For destinations seeking to unlock their tourism potential, airlines and airports remain indispensable partners.
That is precisely why AviaDev continues to bring together tourism boards alongside airlines and airport authorities. The conference recognises that successful route development depends on collaboration between every stakeholder in the travel ecosystem.
Relationships That Continue Long After the Conference Ends
One of AviaDev’s greatest strengths remains its business-first format.
Every delegate arrives with a personalised schedule of pre-arranged meetings, ensuring meaningful engagement rather than chance networking. These one-on-one meetings have become the catalyst for numerous route launches, commercial partnerships and strategic collaborations across the continent over the years.
In many cases, the conversations that begin during AviaDev continue long after the closing ceremony, ultimately reshaping Africa’s aviation landscape.
The Journey Continues in Lusaka
While Gaborone has successfully hosted another memorable edition, attention now turns to the next chapter.
AviaDev Africa 2027 will take place from 9–11 June 2027 at the Lusaka International Convention Centre in Zambia, bringing together the continent’s aviation leaders once again to continue advancing African air connectivity.
For anyone serious about aviation, tourism, route development or investment in Africa, this is an event that deserves a place on the calendar.
Whether you’re an airline looking for new markets, an airport seeking additional carriers, a tourism authority eager to attract visitors, or a business supplying solutions to the aviation industry, AviaDev offers direct access to the decision-makers shaping the future of African skies.
The conversations started in Botswana have already set new ideas in motion. Lusaka now provides the next opportunity to turn those ideas into partnerships, investments and routes that will connect Africa more effectively than ever before.
Missed Gaborone? Don’t miss Lusaka.
The future of African aviation won’t simply be discussed there; it will be built there.
For more information and registration updates, visit AviaDev Africa.
2026 Highlights:
AviaDev Africa: Connecting skies, unlocking potential!
About AviaDev
AviaDev Africa is the only dedicated air service development event for Africa. The event is focused on developing air connectivity to, from, and within the continent via pre-arranged meetings, interactive workshops, an exhibition, and networking events. The event brings together the key players in the African aviation community to forge new collaborations and partnerships to ensure that Africa remains connected regionally and internationally.
About The Bench
Over the past 25 years, Bench has established a legacy for delivering business forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. It has built a reputation for delivering immersive virtual events, energizing masterclasses, and innovative B2B digital strategies for its clients.
Media Sponsor, AviaDev
