The African Drone Forum (ADF) will return for a second consecutive year as strategic partner for the Drone and Autonomous Systems Programme at the 10th edition of Aviation Africa 2026, taking place September 9 to 10 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.
Under the theme “Advancing the Future of Autonomy in Africa,” the two-day programme will combine conference sessions, dedicated forums and exhibition stands focused on the practical requirements for scaling drone and autonomous systems operations across the continent.
A major addition for 2026 is the inaugural African Drone Regulators Forum (ADRF), the programme’s flagship regulatory session. The closed-door Day 2 working session will bring together African civil aviation authority officials responsible for drone policy and regulation to share frameworks, case studies and practical approaches to common challenges.
Day 1 will feature the African Drone Security Forum (ADSF), an open forum examining the growing intersection between drones, AI and security, including civil and security cooperation, risk mitigation, detection and response, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Five industry panels will examine workforce development, BVLOS operations and enabling infrastructure, drone data and AI, advanced air mobility and investment.
“The inclusion of drones and autonomous systems within Aviation Africa reflects a broader shift in how the aviation ecosystem is evolving,” said Eno Umoh, founding chair of the African Drone Forum. “These conversations now extend beyond technology and regulation to airspace integration, security, infrastructure, investment and operational readiness. Bringing those stakeholders together creates an important opportunity to look at how autonomous aviation can be integrated safely, responsibly and sustainably across Africa.”
The 2026 programme will also place greater emphasis on implementation beyond regulatory approval, including corridor design, electronic conspicuity, remote identification, coordination with air navigation service providers, infrastructure and sustainable business models.
The ADF Drone and Autonomous Systems Exhibition Pavilion will operate throughout both summit days, bringing together African and international companies developing drone, autonomous systems, data and supporting technologies.
