A Leap into Africa’s Advanced Air Mobility Future

The inaugural Africa Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAMS25) lifted off in grand style on March 18, 2025, at the stunning Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. Hosted by Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, this groundbreaking event promised to shape the future of air mobility in Africa—and Day One delivered an electrifying start! From insightful discussions to high-energy performances at the gala dinner, every moment was a testament to Africa’s readiness to embrace the future of aviation.

With the grand vision of revolutionizing transportation across the continent, AAMS25 set the stage for discussions on how Africa can embrace Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies like eVTOLs, drones, and urban air taxis. And what a stage it was!

A Grand Opening: Setting the Stage for the Future

As the sun rose over Nairobi, the excitement was palpable. When one of Africa’s best Tech MCs, Ian Muiruri, took the mic to launch the two-day symposium, the energy in the room was undeniable. The day began with a buzz of anticipation as industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, and aviation enthusiasts gathered for what was set to be a defining moment for Africa’s aviation sector. The air was thick with ambition, innovation, and a shared commitment to pioneering advanced air mobility across the continent.

The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, each bringing forth a compelling vision of Africa’s AAM potential. The keynote speakers included:

• Mr. Mohamed Daghar, CBS – Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport, who underscored the government’s commitment to fostering aviation growth in Kenya and beyond.
• Mr. Allan Kilavuka – Group MD & CEO of Kenya Airways, and Chairperson of the Executive Committee at AFRAA, who painted a bold picture of AAM as a game-changer for Africa’s transportation needs.
• Mr. Abderahmane Berthé – Secretary General of the African Airline Association, who emphasized the necessity of collaboration and policy frameworks to drive AAM adoption.
• Mr. Emile Arao – Director General, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, who highlighted the role of regulators in ensuring safety and operational efficiency in AAM.
• Mr. Hawkins Musili – General Manager, Fahari Aviation, whose vision and leadership set the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking symposium.

Their words resonated deeply, igniting discussions on Africa’s $11.5 billion AAM industry potential and the need for infrastructure, social acceptance, and regulatory preparedness to drive adoption.

The Power Panels: Unlocking Africa’s Advanced Air Mobility Potential

Day One featured four dynamic panel discussions, each unpacking the fundamental aspects of AAM and its role in transforming African transportation. The panels were expertly moderated by leading voices in the aviation industry, ensuring insightful dialogue and impactful takeaways.

• Building a Collaborative Framework for AAM in Africa
  • Moderator: Ian Muiruri, Tech MC and Event Host
  • Panelists:
    • Nikhil Goel – Chief Commercial Officer, Archer Aviation Inc.
    • David Rottblatt – Sr. Director, Strategy & Commercialization, Supernal Aero
    • Hawkins Musili – General Manager, Fahari Aviation
    • Diana Siegel – Chief Finance Officer, Electra Aero
  • Experts delved into the importance of strategic partnerships and cross-border cooperation to drive AAM forward. Collaboration was the buzzword—industry leaders emphasized that the future of African skies would be shaped not in silos but through united efforts.

• Regulatory Framework and Standards: Harmonizing Advanced Air Mobility Regulations Across Africa
  • Moderator: Maureen Kahonge, Senior Manager, BD & Communications, AFRAA
  • Panelists:
    • Justus Nyunja – Regional Officer Aviation Security, Eastern and Southern African Region, International Civil Aviation Organization
    • Nikhil Goel – Chief Commercial Officer, Archer Aviation Inc.
    • Karanja Ndegwa – Jambojet, Chief Executive Officer
    • Ibrahim Ba – Director, International Aviation Regulatory Affairs, Zipline
    • Francis C. Kigen – Senior UAS Inspector, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
  • The panelists tackled the complexities of regulatory alignment, stressing that Africa must craft its own policies rather than mirroring outdated global regulations. The lively debate underscored the urgency of streamlining AAM laws to foster innovation.

• Infrastructure Development: Building the Foundation for the Future
  • Moderator: Eunice Chepkemboi, Business Development Lead, Fahari Aviation
  • Panelists:
    • Capt. George Kamal – Chief Operations Officer, Kenya Airways
    • Loyford Murithi – Director ICT Connectivity, State Department for ICT
    • David Rottblatt – Sr. Director, Strategy & Commercialization, Supernal Aero
    • Dennis Wakaba – Lead Consultant BEV Advisory, Electric Mobility Africa
    • Dr. Simon Peter Njoroge – Operations Manager, Kenya Airports Authority
  • From vertiports to charging stations, the conversation shifted to the physical and technological infrastructure required to support AAM’s growth. The panelists emphasized that investing in infrastructure today would dictate Africa’s readiness for Advanced Air Mobility by 2050.

• Human Capital Development and Workforce Training
  • Moderator: Abigail Ageng’o, Management Trainee, Kenya Airways
  • Panelists:
    • Maureen Kahonge – Senior Manager, BD & Communications, AFRAA
    • Capt. Bajaber Abubakar – Head Flight Ops. Training, Kenya Airways
    • Alastair Curtis – General Manager, Africa, Archer Aviation Inc.
    • Wycliffe Osoro – Head HR, East and South Africa Sub Cluster & Manager, HR Kenya
    • Stanley Kinuthia – Air Cargo Management & Airport Operations ATRSC
  • The final discussion of the day focused on training the next generation of AAM professionals. Panelists championed the need for targeted training programs to develop a skilled workforce, ensuring Africa takes the lead in this transformative industry.

A Gala Dinner Like No Other – Sky Bound Horizons

As the sun set over Nairobi, the symposium transformed from intense discussions to an evening of networking, celebration, and cultural immersion at the Sky Bound Horizons Gala Dinner. With the theme of “Pioneering Africa’s Advanced Air Mobility Future”, the event embraced futuristic elegance with a stunning African touch.

Guests walked the red carpet, clinking glasses of expertly served drinks, as anticipation for the evening’s entertainment built up. The highlight of the night? A mesmerizing performance by traditional dancers, whose rhythmic drumbeats resonated through the venue, evoking a deep connection to Africa’s heritage.

The thunderous beats of the African drums resonated through the venue, connecting everyone to the continent’s rich heritage. As the dancers moved in synchronized rhythm, a collective energy filled the air—an energy so infectious that VIPs and industry leaders couldn’t resist joining in. The sight of executives, regulators, and aviation pioneers drumming alongside the performers was a true testament to the spirit of unity that AAMS25 embodies.

See more about the Gala Dinner on our Next Blog

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Esteemed AAMS25 Sponsors

AAMS25 would not have been possible without the unwavering support and generosity of our incredible sponsors.

• Fahari Aviation
• Archer
• Supernal,
• Electra Aero,
• Kenya Airports Authority, and
• Kenya Airways
  

Your commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of aviation played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Your contributions went beyond financial support; they demonstrated a shared vision for advancing the industry, fostering meaningful discussions, and shaping the future of air mobility. We deeply appreciate your trust and partnership, and we look forward to continued collaboration in driving aviation excellence.

Thank you for making AAMS25 a reality!

It takes more than just ideas to create an extraordinary event—it takes passion, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. To every individual and team who contributed to the success of AAMS25, we salute you!

A Standing Ovation for the Team Behind the Magic

Executing an event of this scale and impact required flawless coordination, unwavering dedication, and an exceptional team working behind the scenes. Billion Events was honored to serve as the official event planner, ensuring every moment of AAMS25 was a seamless, unforgettable experience.

A heartfelt appreciation goes out to the incredible individuals and teams who played a crucial role in making this event a resounding success:

🎧 DJ Mr. Gee – The maestro behind the decks, he kept the energy soaring and the dance floor packed, ensuring that no one wanted the night to end!

✈️ The Fahari Aviation Team – Under the dynamic leadership of GM Hawkins Musili, this powerhouse team played a pivotal role in bringing the symposium to life. Special recognition goes to Eunice Chepkemboi (Business Development Manager) for her strategic planning, Mary Goretti (Administrative Coordinator) for her seamless logistical execution, Kelvin Karoki (Procurement), Kagwiria Mbiti – Commercial Manager for making things work seamlessly behind the scenes and Wycliffe Wawire – IT Coordinator for ensuring every detail was flawlessly managed.

🏨 Argyle Grand Hotel – Their world-class hospitality, impeccable service, and state-of-the-art conference facilities set the perfect stage for a high-caliber gathering of aviation leaders.

🎤 Tech MC Ian Muiruri – With his unmatched charisma and expertise, Ian masterfully guided the event, keeping the program engaging, interactive, and on schedule.

📹 Media Production Team (Led by Peter Sila) – From capturing the most memorable moments in real-time to ensuring a smooth live broadcast, their expertise brought AAMS25 to audiences beyond the venue.

🔊 Sound Fusion – Their outstanding audio-visual production elevated the experience, from crisp sound quality and stunning projections to immersive lighting that set the perfect atmosphere.

🌿 Luxe and Allure – The creative visionaries behind the breathtaking floral arrangements that transformed the gala dinner into a visual masterpiece, blending elegance with an African touch.

🖋️ Branding & Printing Team – Their precision and attention to detail ensured that every element—merchandise, banners, stationery, and signage—was on-brand and professionally executed.

🥁 MDA Studios & Moses’ Dancers – The heartbeat of the evening, their electrifying drumming spectacle and perfectly synchronized choreography left the audience spellbound, filling the room with infectious energy and unbridled joy.

Looking Ahead to Day Two and Beyond

Day One set the bar high, but we’re just getting started! As we step into Day Two, we anticipate more groundbreaking discussions, strategic collaborations, and a deeper dive into the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Africa. With a continent poised for revolutionary change, this symposium is not just about discussions—it’s about action, innovation, and pioneering a new frontier.

It takes more than just ideas to create an extraordinary event—it takes passion, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. To every individual and team who contributed to the success of AAMS25, we salute you!

Africa, the skies are calling!

Stay tuned as we continue to chart the course for an advanced air mobility future. #AAMS25 #AfricaAAM #BillionEvents #FahariAviation