Kigali, 22 February 2017
President Kagame today delivered a Keynote address at the opening of the Aviation Africa conference in Kigali, which brings together 550 delegates from 58 countries including 120 airlines delegates and 56 exhibiting companies. The two-day conference seeks to attract investment in the aviation sector in Africa, and forge partnerships between local and international investors in the aviation sector.
In his address, President Kagame called on African nations to implement the Yamoussoukro decision so as to create a single African air transport market by fully opening up our skies.
“Yamoussoukro Decision still needs to be implemented and Africa remains more connected with other continents than internally. Rwanda has stepped up efforts towards the creation of a single African air transport market by fully opening up our skies. This is an exciting time for our country and continent as we see new capabilities bringing us closer to the prosperous future. We remain enthusiastic about the renewed focus on the growth of aviation in Africa.As we work to expand regional transportation and digital networks, we must do the same with air transport. When our skies are closed it is harder to make air transport safer, more reliable and more affordable.”
President Kagame also observed that time has come when a passenger in Africa transits outside the continent to reach an African city it will be by choice not necessity.
On the part of Rwanda, President Kagame said the country was investing in infrastructure, upgrading Kigali International Airport and building the new Bugesera International Airport and that RwandAir had continued to expand its route network in Africa and beyond.