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By Monica MUEMA
Kenya has been picked as the preferred destination to host the 10th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit in 2026, in a move that cements the EAC powerhouse credentials as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
The summit scheduled for September, 2026 will bring together key aviation stakeholders, government officials and industry leaders, and is expected to serve as a platform for shaping Africa’s aviation future while highlighting Kenya’s growing prowess in the MICE and tourism landscapes.
Speaking during the Kigali-hosted 2025 edition of the Aviation Africa Summit, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Aviation & Aerospace Development and Head of Kenya Delegation, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, applauded the growing partnership between aviation and tourism across the continent.
She noted that Kenya’s hosting of the 2026 summit will not only contribute to building momentum for Africa’s sustainable growth in aviation but will also showcase how Kenya is bridging aviation innovation with global tourism excellence and contributing to the overall economy of many African countries.
“Aviation is the bridge that connects economies, drives trade, and showcases Africa’s beauty to the world. In hosting the 2026 Aviation Africa Summit, Kenya is committed to advancing bold reforms and unlocking the full potential of our skies,” Mbaika stated.
The summit comes at a time when the country is achieving key milestones in its aviation and tourism infrastructure. These developments are aimed at creating seamless travel experiences for business and leisure visitors alike.
Strides such as the planned expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and upgrades to other key aerodrome infrastructure across the country underline Kenya’s ambitions to make air travel faster, more accessible and efficient.
Complementing these aviation gains is the trajectory of Kenya’s MICE sector. According to the 2024 Tourism Performance Report, the MICE segment accounted for 27% of total tourist arrivals in 2024, up from 24% in 2023, as Kenya positioned itself as a premier destination for high-profile events.
Nairobi’s excellence in business travel was recognized when it was named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination for 2025 at the World Travel Awards – Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Tanzania earlier this year.
Recently inaugurated direct flights from Angola’s Luanda to Nairobi and Nairobi to London Gatwick are examples of how Kenya is responding to growing demand for seamless connectivity, aligning with the broader trend forecasted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Africa’s air travel market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% by 2043, with younger populations and emerging markets driving much of this growth.
On her part, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei emphasized the significance of the summit for Kenya’s tourism and MICE industries and the opportunity it avails to both tourism and investment.
“Hosting this important Summit in 2026 is a testament to Kenya’s ability to deliver exceptional conference experiences while demonstrating our position as a leader in aviation and tourism.
Delegates will not only engage in critical industry discussions but also immerse themselves in Kenya’s unmatched attractions.” Said Chepkemei.
Securing the conference comes at the back drop of the on-going Africa MICE Summit taking place between 9th – 11th September , 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The summit is themed on catalysing Trade and Investment in Africa through business events.
The Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition serves as a pan-African platform that brings together airlines, regulators, civil aviation authorities, and other key stakeholders to advance the continent’s aviation industry.
Its mandate is to foster collaboration and dialogue on critical issues such as safety, regulatory harmonization, sustainable aviation, and connectivity