AviaDev26 onsite guide by AHIF

FLOOR PLAN

Platinum Sponsors

WELCOME

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the AviaDev team, a warm welcome – or as they say here, Dumela – to Gaborone, the vibrant capital of Botswana.

2026 is a special year for us: this is the tenth edition of AviaDev Africa. Reaching a decade of bringing this community together, with over 500 delegates registered, is a milestone we could only have dreamed of when we began.

In 2016, when Mala and I embarked on this journey, our ambition was to deliver a meaningful platform that offered the right mix of informal and facilitated business networking, quality throughout and to build an engaging conference programme.

For us, the true mark of success is not simply a growth in numbers, but attendee satisfaction, so seeing so many of your returning means the world to us and some have even been to all 10 editions.

For those joining us for the first time, a very warm welcome to the AviaDev Community.

AviaDev is simply a platform for the industry. We have not been provided with a mandate of any sort or asked to develop and support policy. We have great partners doing this across the continent and beyond.

Our role is simply to create an environment conducive to forging both business and personal relationships, whilst sharing best practices and knowledge.

Although we keep the industry connected through our regular podcasts, event attendance, YouTube videos and social media presence, bringing the industry together in person each year is a personal and professional highlight.

Even better is when we hear that as a result of engagements at the event, new routes are being created, fleets developed, capacity being added to an existing route and new stakeholder relationships are being formed.

We plan and deliver over 1,500 pre-arranged meetings across the next two days – no small feat, but a fundamental part of the event.

Our conference programme has been curated and developed by our advisory board, made up of industry experts with a huge range of experience. These individuals have helped us to launch the first finance and leasing forum alongside AviaDev – a platform we expect to be here to stay.

A special thanks to our hosts, Botswana Air Access. There is no finer setting for this milestone than Botswana – a nation admired for its stability, its conservation leadership and the warmth of its people.

Our wonderful sponsors allow us to deliver the quality of event the continent deserves and they include a wide variety of service providers from across the African continent and the globe. We appreciate their support in helping us achieve our ambition of delivering a thriving African Aviation industry that is profitable for all stakeholders.

Finally, we are delighted to be able to deliver a sustainable conference. We have made a real effort to both minimise our impact on the environment, whilst maximising our impact on the local community with our annual morning run, ambassador and outreach initiatives.

I wish you a productive, energising and fun conference. My team and I look forward to engaging with and supporting you over the coming days.

Your support means everything. And here in Botswana, where the word ‘Pula’ means rain, prosperity and good fortune, I leave you with that blessing: Pula!

Warmest regards,

Jon Howell, CEO & Founder, AviaDev Africa

QUICK GUIDE : AviaDev Finance & Leasing Forum

Wednesday 10 June

08:00 - 09:00 Registration and refreshments

09:00 - 09:10 Welcome to the Finance and Leasing Forum

09:10 - 09:40 State of the industry: An overview of the African aviation finance & leasing market in 2026

09:40 - 10:25 PANEL: Financing African aviation to 2030. Who's providing the capital and on what terms?

10:25 - 11:00 THE DEAL ROOM: How Airlink structured its Embraer E195-E2 acquisition

11:00 - 11:45 PANEL: How risk can be managed, restructured and repriced in African aviation

11:45 - 12:00 The role of data in fleet planning

12:00 – 12:50 PANEL: How to structure fleet strategies for growth. Matching fleet, routes and balance sheets

12:50 – 13:00 Day one recap

13:00 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 17:00 AviaDev outreach programme (invited students only)

17:30 – 20:30 Opening welcome reception at GICC - sponsored by Air Botswana & Botswana Tourism Organisation

WELCOME TO AVIADEV!

QUICK GUIDE : AviaDev

Thursday 11 June

08:00 - 08:45 Registration and refreshments

08:45 - 09:00 Welcome to AviaDev 2026

09:00 - 09:10 Welcome to Botswana

09:10 - 09:30 Fireside chat: Welcome to Botswana

09:30 - 10:00 Macro economic keynote address

10:00 - 11:00 C-SUITE PANEL: Route development in 2026 and beyond. What's driving the decisions and how can we catalyse growth?

11:00 - 11:25 Exploring the horizons: Unserved air routes to, from and within Africa

11:25 - 12:05 PANEL: How are airlines and airports unlocking new revenue and cutting costs?

12:05 - 12:15 Africa's evolving jet fuel supply landscape. The impact of government involvement in jet fuel procurement

12:15 - 12:55 PANEL: Unlocking Africa’s most promising international markets

12:55 - 13:00 Day two recap

13:00 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 18:00 One-to-one meetings

18:00 - 22:00 Gala reception - sponsored by Puma Energy

Friday 12 June

07:00 - 08:00 AviaDev morning run

08:00 - 08:45 Morning refreshments and networking

08:45 - 09:00 Welcome back

09:00 - 09:30 The evolution of connectivity

09:30 - 10:15 PANEL: Turning tourism demand into air service opportunity

10:15 - 10:40 Connecting Africa: unlocking intra-regional connectivity potential

10:40 - 10:45 Outreach Partner presentation: Dare to Dream

10:50 - 11:30 PANEL: From runways to real estate: Airport investment opportunity

11:30 - 12:00 The big debate: Open Skies

12:00 - 12:10 Handover ceremony: AviaDev 2027

12:10 - 12:30 Future leaders: In a rapidly evolving aviation landscape, why should aviation organisations prioritise employing the next generation?

12:30 - 13:00 Presentation of the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding contribution to route development in Africa

13:00 - 13:05 Closing remarks

13:05 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 17:30 One-to-one meetings

BOTSWANA AIR ACCESS

Launched in 2024, Botswana Air Access is a collaborative air service development initiative focused on strengthening Botswana’s connectivity to regional and international markets. Bringing together stakeholders from aviation, tourism, trade and investment, the initiative works to retain existing routes, attract new airlines and expand air access opportunities. Its goal is to unlock economic growth, tourism development and increased investment through enhanced connectivity.

CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF BOTSWANA (CAAB)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) is responsible for regulating and developing Botswana’s aviation industry while ensuring the safe, secure and efficiet operation of air transport services. Through its oversight of aviation standards, air navigation services and airport infrastructure, CAAB plays a critical role in supporting Botswana’s connectivity ambitions. The Authority remains committed to fostering a worldclass aviation environment that enables growth and development.

AIR BOTSWANA

Air Botswana is Botswana’s national airline, connecting key domestic and regional destinations while supporting tourism, trade, and economic growth. Operating routes across Botswana and Southern Africa, the airline plays an important role in linking business and leisure travellers to major tourism hubs such as Maun and Kasane, gateways to the Okavango Delta and Chobe regions. Guided by a commitment to safety, reliability, customer service, and sustainable growth, Air Botswana continues to strengthen connectivity and contribute to Botswana’s development and global visibility

BOTSWANA TOURISM ORGANISATION (BTO)

The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) is mandated to market and position Botswana as a premier tourism destination while promoting investment within the tourism sector. Through destination marketing, tourism development and industry support, BTO showcases Botswana’s unique wildlife, culture and natural attractions to local and international audiences. Its efforts contribute significatly to tourism growth and economic development.

BOTSWANA INVESTMENT AND TRADE CENTRE (BITC)

The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) is the country’s lead investment and trade

promotion agency, driving economic growth through investment attraction, export development and business facilitation. By positioning Botswana as a competitive destination for business and investment, BITC helps create opportunities that support economic diversifiction and sustainable development. The organisation plays a key role in enhancing Botswana’s global competitiveness.

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA (HATAB)

The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) serves as the voice of Botswana’s tourism and hospitality industry. Representing a diverse range of tourism stakeholders, the association advocates for policies and initiatives that support sustainable growth and industry development. HATAB plays an important role in strengthening Botswana’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.

TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA (TAABOT)

Established in 1988, the Travel Agents Association of Botswana (TAABOT) represents licensed travel professionals committed to the highest standards of service, ethics and professionalism. The association promotes collaboration, industry development and consumer confidene within Botswana’s travel sector. Through its members, TAABOT helps deliver trusted and seamless travel experiences.

BUSINESS BOTSWANA

Business Botswana is the apex private sector body in Botswana, serving as an Employer Organisation, Chamber of Commerce and Business Representative Body committed to advancing business growth, economic transformation, and regional integration. Representing enterprises across all sectors of the economy, Business Botswana advocates for practical, businessinformed policies while promoting decent work, productive labour relations, trade, investment, and market access.

Discover Botswana.

AviaDev Finance & Leasing Forum

This focused half-day forum is designed to bridge the financing gap for African aviation and catalyse fleet growth and investment.

Bringing together airlines, lessors, financiers, OEMs, and development finance institutions for a results-oriented programme. Through keynote presentations, real-life case studies, expert panels, and airline investment pitches, it tackles key topics such as:

• Fleet financing strategies • Aircraft leasing structures • Managing credit risk in African markets • Accessing and structuring capital for growth

Wednesday 10 June

08:00 - 09:00 Registration and refreshments

09:00 - 09:10 Welcome to the Finance & Leasing Forum

and Founder, AviaDev

09:10 - 09:40 State of the industry: An overview of the African aviation finance & leasing market in 2026

Brouard Associate Director, ACC Aviation

09:40 - 10:25 PANEL: Financing African aviation to 2030. Who's providing the capital and on what terms?

MODERATOR

Thato Matsha Head: Aviation Finance - Africa, Investec

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Jacob Bakst Managing Director, Transportation Division, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM BANK)

Berthe Secretary General, African Airlines Association (AFRAA)

Haddad President, Jetcraft Commercial Limited

Abderahmane

Raphael

Tristan

CEO

Wednesday 10 June

10:25 - 11:00 THE DEAL ROOM: How Airlink structured its Embraer E195-E2 acquisition

MODERATOR

Sean Mendis Director, SeanMendis.com

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Scott Boardman VP - Marketing, Azorra

Katherine Whelan Chief Commercial Officer, Airlink

11:00 - 11:45 PANEL: How risk can be managed, restructured and repriced in African aviation

MODERATOR

Tatenda Karuwa Account Executive, Solus Insurance Brokers

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Michael Cox Vice Chairman, Seabury Securities

Basil Gygax Sales Director Africa, TrueNoord

11:45 - 12:00 The role of data in fleet planning

Adeel Siddiqi Head of Middle East and Africa, Cirium

Dikko Nwachukwu Chief Executive Officer, Andara Systems

Adam Young Regional VP Sales –Southern Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation

Diana Nyambura Chief Executive Officer, Skyward Airlines

12:00 - 12:50 PANEL: How to structure fleet strategies for growth. Matching fleet, routes and balance sheets

MODERATOR

Sean Mendis Director, SeanMendis.com

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Joep Ellers Airline Marketing Director for Africa, Airbus

Vincent Eva Senior Manager: Aircraft Fleet Management, FlySafair

Mahmood Chief Operating Officer, Africa World Airlines

Miles van der Molen Chief Executive Officer,

Sohail

CemAir

DRIVING AVIATION TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS AND PERFORM

Wednesday 10 June

12:50 - 13:00 Day one recap

CEO and Founder, AviaDev

13:00 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 17:00 AviaDev outreach programme (invited students only)

17:30 - 20:30 Opening welcome reception at GICC

Networking reception at Gaborone International Convention Centre. SPONSORED BY:

GOT YOUR RUNNING SHOES?

You can help raise funds for a local cause – join us bright and early on Friday for a morning run. FRIDAY 12 JUNE @06:45

Look out for more details around the venue. See you there!

AVIADEV: AGENDA 2026

Thursday 11 June

08:00 - 08:45 Registration and refreshments

08:45 - 09:00 Welcome to AviaDev 2026

CEO and Founder, AviaDev

09:00 - 09:10 Welcome to Botswana

Capt Thuto Toise Chief Executive Officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana

09:10 - 09:30 Fireside chat: Welcome to Botswana

CEO and Founder, AviaDev

09:30 - 10:00 Macro economic keynote address

Keoagile Atamelang Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure

Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe Vice President and Minister of Finance, Republic of Botswana IN CONVERSATION WITH

Daniel Silke Political Economy Analyst & Futurist, Political Futures Consultancy

10:00 - 11:00 C-SUITE PANEL: Route development in 2026 and beyond. What's driving the decisions and how can we catalyse growth?

Hilka Birns Aviation Journalist, ch-aviation

Miguel Carneiro Chief Commercial Officer / Chief Transformation Officer, TAAG – Angola Airlines

Dr Bao Rasebolai Mosinyi General Manager, Air Botswana

de Villiers Engelbrecht Chief Executive Officer, Airlink

Julius Thairu Chief Commercial & Customer Officer, Kenya Airways

Kirsten King Group CEO, fastjet

Advancing aviation. Elevating the world. Airbus. Made

to matter

Thursday 11 June

11:00 - 11:25 Exploring the horizons: Unserved air routes to, from and within Africa

Geert Lemaire Market Intelligence and Consulting Director, Airbus

11:25 - 12:05 PANEL: How are airlines and airports unlocking new revenue and cutting costs?

MODERATOR

Candy Kasonkomona Regional Vice President Southern, Eastern & Central West Africa, Hahnair

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Hassan Aurag Brand Ambassador, Hitit

Benjamin Hamel Co-Managing Director, ASISTIM, a SITA company

Patrick van der Knoop Global VP Airline Sales, Nuvei

Rodger Whittle Commercial Director Africa, Kiu System Solutions

12:05 - 12:15 Africa's evolving jet fuel supply landscape. The impact of government involvement in jet fuel procurement

Momodou Bah Director of Supply - Africa, AEG Fuels

12:15 - 12:55 PANEL: Unlocking Africa’s most promising international markets

MODERATOR

Sean Mendis Director, SeanMendis.com

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Marco Goetz Chief Commercial Officer, Discover Airlines

Jonathan Pollard Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick

Ariana McKnire Director of Airline Business Development, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Adedayo Olawuyi Chief Commercial Officer, United Nigeria Airlines

Daté Dovéné Tevi-Benissan Commercial Director, ASKY

Thursday 11 June

12:55 - 13:00 Day two recap

CEO and Founder, AviaDev

13:00 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 18:00 One-to-one meetings

18:00 - 22:00 Gala Reception sponsored by Puma Energy Enjoy a fun and relaxing evening at the Phakalane Golf Estate.

Friday 12 June

07:00 - 08:00 AviaDev morning run

08:00 - 08:55 Morning refreshments and networking

08:55 - 09:00 Welcome back

CEO and Founder, AviaDev

09:00 - 09:30 The evolution of connectivity

Alastair Curtis General Manager, Africa, Archer Aviation

09:30 - 10:15 PANEL: Turning tourism demand into air service opportunity

Natalia Rosa Tourism Project Lead, Southern Africa Tourism Alliance

Bronwen Auret Chief Quality Assurance Officer, South African Tourism

Justice Ofentse Acting Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Tourism Organization

Rupert Kraus Network & Partnerships, Discover Airlines

Minosoa Tatamo Rakotozafy Head of Aeronautical Activities, Ravinala Airports

Keira LangfordJohnson Business Development Director, Proflight Zambia

PROFIT HUNTER. PROMISE KEEPER.

Friday 12 June

10:15 - 10:40 Connecting Africa: Unlocking intra-regional connectivity potential

Theo Wensink Head of Marketing – MEA, Senior Director Airline Marketing, Embraer Commercial Aviation

10:40 - 10:45 Outreach Partner presentation: Dare to Dream

Capt. Kgomotso Phatsima Founder and President, Dare to Dream

10:50 - 11:30 PANEL: From Runways to Real Estate: Airport investment opportunity

INTRODUCED BY IN CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR

Adam Ekman Pedersen Airport Commerce Lead, NACO - Netherlands Airport Consultants

Jody Appollis Aviation Business Development-Sub-Saharan Africa, NACO / Atana

Keletsositse Olebile Chief Executive Officer, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC)

11:30 - 12:00 The big debate: Open Skies

MODERATOR

Capt. Gilbert Kibe Consultant, Air Transport Consulting Limited

Carty Founder and MD, Aperture Properties

Kephas Phiri Director Commercial Services, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited

Edmund Makona SAATM Ambassador for the Southern region, AFCAC

Executive Manager at Corporate Services, Airlink IN CONVERSATION WITH

12:00 - 12:10 Handover ceremony: AviaDev 2027

12:10 - 12:30 Future Leaders: In a rapidly evolving aviation landscape, why should aviation organisations prioritise employing the next generation?

Rethabile Molatedi AviaDev Ambassador IN CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR

Ellah Wafula Founder, Association of Women in Aviation MaintenanceKenya Chapter

Passionate Lebeko AviaDev Ambassador

Namhla Tshetu

Hilton

Mpolaheng Mohlopi Chief Financial Officer, Lanseria International Airport

Friday 12 June

12:30 - 13:00 Presentation of the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding contribution to route development in Africa

13:00 - 13:05 Closing remarks

13:00 - 14:00 Networking lunch

14:00 - 17:30 One-to-one meetings CEO and Founder, AviaDev

Aaron Munetsi Chief Executive Officer, Airlines Association of Southern Africa (ASAA)

Ato Girma Wake Industry Expert; AviaDev Patron

From IAD

to Africa

Cape Town

Accra

Lomé

Lagos

Addis Ababa

Cairo Casablanca

Connecting Africa to the world together

A global leader in aviation consultancy

Strategy-led, design-driven

Shaping airports of the future

With over 75 years of experience, we are a leading airport consultancy and engineering firm, supporting airports of all sizes, from landmark hubs to regional gateways.

Our expertise spans master planning, building design, airport PPPs and civil engineering, always with future readiness at the core.

From operational and infrastructural resilience to climate change adaptation, we embed long term

thinking into every project, helping airports make the most of their land, assets and commercial potential as they plan for sustainable growth.

Working alongside clients and stakeholders, we shape a resilient, people centred future for aviation.

Contact

Johannesburg, South Africa Delft, The Netherlands

+27 87 352 1500 +31 088 348 1300

jody.appollis@atana.co.za info@naco.haskoning.com atana.co.za naco.nl

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