Aviation Africa: innovation and finance will be key talking points

The twin pillars of innovation and finance will be among the key talking points at the Aviation Africa 2019 Summit and Exhibition with a rare opportunity for delegates to get a first-hand look into the future.
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Drone manufacturer and operator Zipline have extended an invitation to delegates and exhibitors registered at the show to make a site visit to their operations centre and see just how the unmanned systems are being used in Rwanda to deliver blood, drugs and other essentials to remote rural areas in the country.

Finance is another area that the industry wanted to hear more about at the Summit and there is an unmissable session in store.

Access to finance has long been an issue for African aviation ventures including airlines, infrastructure and business aviation. Romain Ekoto, Head of Aviation, African Development Bank leads a top-class line-up to look to the future along with Nedbank's James Geldenhuys, Boeing's Sub-Sahara managing director João Miguel Santos and Mengistu Jima, head of ECA finance, at Kenya's Trade and Development Bank, challenged by moderator: Rob Watts, CEO Aerotask.

Helping the industry on its way, Simon Knechtli, executive director aviation for Wills Towers Watson will give a presentation on managing risk and growth.

"It is no wonder that so many of Africa's airlines are sending senior teams to the event this year," said Summit chairman Alan Peaford. "These are big names and important topics. The show has the support of the industry and there is a great number of government ministers and directors of civil aviation authorities booked to attend."