AviaDev Africa Conference Heads to Zanzibar For 2025 Edition

AviaDev Africa, the premier aviation development conference for Africa, is heading to Zanzibar in 2025. The prestigious event will be jointly hosted by the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), marking a significant milestone in the region's aviation industry.

AviaDev Africa, known for its role in driving air connectivity to, from and within the African continent, has been fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and promoting sustainable growth in the aviation sector for the last 9 years. The event will unite 400 industry leaders on the spice island of Zanzibar.

With its enchanting landscapes, rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism industry, AviaDev will serve as a catalyst for advancing aviation connectivity, tourism development, and economic growth in the whole region, but with a particular focus on Zanzibar.

The event attracts key stakeholders, including African and International airlines, airports, industry suppliers, government officials, investors, and industry experts.

Over 3 days, a comprehensive programme will deliver insightful discussions, outreach activities, knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions, whilst also providing attendees with the opportunity to experience the charms of Zanzibar firsthand.

AviaDev is more than a conference. It is a deal making platform responsible for catalysing multiple route development decisions, delivering economic growth, and creating jobs across the value chain.

Over the last few years, AAKIA airport traffic have witnessed increased growth of 9.2% CAGR between 2019-2023. At the end of 2023 AAKIA airport traffic stood at 2.14 million. The traffic grew by 22% in 2023 compared to 2022. The airport connects to 30 destinations and has 26 operating airlines.

Zanzibar welcomed over 638,498 visitors in 2023 which is a 16.45 increase with last year, making tourism a fundamental pillar of the archipelago’s economy. The destination produces frequent seasonality making it almost all round of the year destination. This continued emphasis on the tourism sector as a driver of growth, provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure development, and investment opportunities. 

"We are thrilled to announce Zanzibar as the host destination for AviaDev Africa 2025," said Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev. "This partnership with ZAA and ZCT reflects our commitment to driving positive change and unlocking new opportunities in African aviation. In appointing the host, we were impressed with how the stakeholders in Zanzibar share a vision and are working in alignment to ensure they achieve a sustainable level of development and growth.”