Published January 22, 2026
The in-person version of the Airline Awareness Workshop on Capital and Connectivity was organized by AFRAA in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The event will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from February 25th to 26th, 2026. The event was organized under the theme of AfDB’s Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP). The conference aims to provide bankable solutions to challenges affecting the aviation industry. These factors, among others, have been shown to influence regional connectivity, trade and tourism, which play a key role in the future growth of the region’s tourism sector.
It is pertinent to underline that this workshop will provide an opportunity for participating airline CEOs, aircraft lessors, banks, export credit agencies and airport operators to come together on a platform to discuss the advancement and sustainability requirements of Africa’s aviation infrastructure. This will be an important event to strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in the field of sustainable travel destinations.
Addressing challenges and developing opportunities for future tourism growth
This workshop will focus on key issues such as aviation economics, aircraft financing, cargo logistics, airspace infrastructure, and sustainability measures such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Airlines play a central role in promoting tourism by improving connectivity between major tourist hubs across the continent. As tourism growth becomes an increasingly important part of Africa’s economic development, these discussions are essential to creating long-term opportunities for both leisure and business travelers.
Through discussions on regional connectivity, trade corridors and aircraft leasing, this workshop will help shape the future of travel and tourism across Africa, positioning the continent as a major player in global tourism. By strengthening aviation infrastructure and promoting sustainability in the sector, African countries will be better positioned to attract international tourists, stimulate local economies and create more business opportunities.
Strengthening the aviation industry to drive travel and tourism growth
The African Development Bank’s continued focus on strengthening aviation as a key driver of future tourism growth is consistent with the African Union’s tourism and trade objectives, particularly through frameworks such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This workshop will provide a platform to discuss practical solutions to boost tourism growth by improving access and connectivity to African countries and ensure the aviation sector contributes to economic growth and sustainable tourism development across the continent.
The event will also explore how sustainable tourism practices, such as the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), can help Africa’s aviation industry meet global sustainability standards. A focus on sustainable growth of the aviation industry is essential to ensure the resilience and competitiveness of Africa’s tourism industry, while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and promoting ecotourism.
Cooperative partnership to promote future tourism and economic growth
The strategic collaborations formed during the TITF B2B event will play a key role in accelerating the growth of African tourism. By fostering partnerships between airlines, government and private sector stakeholders, the event supports the development of long-term tourism initiatives that not only boost air connectivity but also job creation, investment and cultural exchange across the continent. Future tourism growth in Africa will depend on these collaborations, which are key to raising the region’s global profile and attracting more international travelers.
This workshop provides an important opportunity to generate air connectivity, financial solutions, and actionable steps towards building a robust tourism infrastructure that promotes sustainability. As demand for trade and tourism in the region increases, the aviation sector will be central to driving growth and ensuring Africa remains a top destination for global travelers.
Laying the foundation for future travel and tourism growth in Africa
“The AFRAA and AfDB Aviation Awareness Workshop in Nairobi will address challenges in African aviation, tourism and provide a strategic platform to shape the future of travel and tourism in Africa. Through the development of aviation infrastructure, aviation connectivity and a sustainable approach, this event is in line with Africa’s vision to emerge as a leader in tourism development in the global community.”
With the support and cooperation of key stakeholders, Africa is poised to continue developing its tourism sector and further position itself as a leading destination for business and leisure travel, and is poised to establish itself in the global tourism sector in the coming years.
