Zambia has been announced as the host destination for AviaDev Africa 2027, marking a significant milestone for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. The announcement was made during AviaDev Africa 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana, with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) confirmed as the official host partner.
The news comes as Zambia launches its ambitious Airlift Zambia Initiative, a strategic programme aimed at strengthening air connectivity, attracting new international carriers, and positioning the country as a leading aviation hub in Southern Africa.
AviaDev Africa is the continent’s leading air service development conference, bringing together airlines, airports, tourism boards, government representatives and aviation service providers to drive route development and connectivity across Africa. Previous editions have been hosted in Windhoek, Zanzibar and Botswana. Zambia’s selection reflects growing recognition of the country’s potential as both a tourism destination and aviation gateway.
Recent years have seen notable progress in Zambia’s aviation landscape, with airlines including Qatar Airways, Uganda Airlines, Fastjet Zimbabwe and Eswatini Air expanding services into the country. Regional connectivity has also strengthened through new routes operated by Proflight Zambia linking Lusaka and Livingstone with Windhoek and Maun.
The announcement aligns closely with Zambia’s broader tourism growth strategy. International visitor arrivals have more than doubled from approximately 1.1 million in 2022 to 2.3 million in 2025, with the government targeting between 2.5 and 3 million international arrivals in 2026.
For Africa’s Eden, improved air access remains one of the most important factors in unlocking tourism growth across the region.
Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden Tourism Association, welcomed the announcement:
“This is fantastic news for Zambia and for the wider Africa’s Eden region. Air connectivity is one of the most powerful enablers of tourism growth, and hosting AviaDev Africa 2027 will place Zambia firmly in the spotlight among the airlines, airports and decision-makers shaping Africa’s aviation future.
Zambia already offers world-class tourism experiences, from Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River to some of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Bringing AviaDev to Zambia creates an invaluable opportunity to showcase these assets first-hand while advancing the conversations that lead to increased air access, stronger regional connections and sustainable tourism growth.”
Zambia’s four international airports – Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola and Mfuwe Airport – are expected to play a central role in supporting the country’s connectivity ambitions. The Airlift Zambia Initiative aims to leverage these gateways to encourage tourism dispersal and stimulate economic growth beyond the major urban centres.
For delegates attending AviaDev Africa 2027, the event will offer more than business meetings and route development discussions. It will provide an opportunity to experience Zambia’s renowned tourism attractions, including Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park and the Lower Zambezi, while exploring the country’s growing role in regional aviation.
As Zambia continues to invest in both tourism and aviation infrastructure, hosting AviaDev Africa 2027 is expected to serve as a catalyst for new routes, increased visitor arrivals and stronger partnerships across the continent. For the tourism industry, it represents another important step towards improving access to one of Africa’s most compelling destinations.
AviaDev Africa 2027 will take place in Lusaka, Zambia, 9-11 June 2027.
