Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Kenya Airways rejoins stock exchange after strategic turnaround
- United Airlines opens Washington DC–Dakar route
- Zambia Airways launches flights connecting Lusaka and Harare
Kenya Airways’ Comeback: From Crisis to NSE Relisting in 2025
Kenya Airways has marked a return to the Nairobi Securities Exchange, with its shares resuming trade at KSh 4.05 in January 2025. This milestone signals the end of a turbulent chapter and the beginning of a renewed commercial journey for one of Africa’s most iconic carriers.
The airline’s transformation has been years in the making. After facing deep financial distress, a flawed expansion plan, and the global impact of COVID-19, Kenya Airways was forced to suspend trading and overhaul its operations. The turning point came with “Project Kifaru” in 2022—a disciplined strategy focused on cutting costs, improving efficiencies, and resizing the route network.
Kenya Airways closed the 2024 financial year with a net profit of KSh 5.4 billion, its first since 2012. This comeback wasn’t built on luck, but on structured corporate maneuvers and state support, including converting loans into equity. The result is an airline regaining strategic altitude, with a model that reflects sustainability and sharper market thinking.
For Africa’s MICE community, Kenya Airways’ journey is more than an airline recovery story. It’s a lesson in resilience, strategic patience, and the importance of aligning public-private interest to protect vital trade links.
United Airlines Launches Direct Flights: Washington DC to Dakar
United Airlines has launched a direct flight route connecting Washington, D.C. to Dakar, Senegal, marking its first-ever service to West Africa. The new thrice-weekly connection is being operated with Boeing 767-300 aircraft, making United the only airline currently offering nonstop service between the U.S. capital and Senegal’s.
This new route brings United’s African destinations to six, adding to its existing operations in Cape Town, Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Marrakech. The flight offers significant value for both African and American travelers, providing seamless access to over 65 destinations through Washington Dulles International Airport’s network.
For businesses and event planners, this connection offers direct access to a major African capital, expanding possibilities for cross-continental meetings and partnerships. Dakar’s increasing profile as a regional hub means easier coordination and planning for conferences, incentives, and exhibitions in West Africa.
Local airport officials, like Dakar Airport’s General Director Askin Demir, hope this move will boost tourist numbers and commercial interest, making Dakar a more competitive destination for American travelers. With the cultural richness of Senegal and strategic links to Europe and other African markets, this new link is more than convenience—it’s a step forward in deepening engagement between continents.
Zambia Airways Launches Harare Flights: Connecting Zambia & Zimbabwe
Zambia Airways is opening a new chapter in regional air travel with the launch of direct flights between Lusaka and Harare, starting June 17th, 2025. This new route will operate three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – offering much-needed flexibility for business travelers and event organisers operating between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
More than a transportation upgrade, this development holds relevance for the MICE community. Easier air access means smoother logistics, enhanced collaboration, and greater potential for cross-border conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. Early morning departures from both cities allow more workable itineraries for high-intensity schedules.
Zambia Airways CEO, Mr. Thomas Gebreyohannes Woldesenbet, views the route as a key step toward regional integration. According to him, it will connect “people, cultures, and economies,” strengthening trade ties and fueling tourism — two areas that closely support the meetings sector’s growth.
Bookings are already open via the Zambia Airways website and travel agencies. For those planning regional gatherings post-June 2025, this new link promises more than convenience — it’s a timely tool for building stronger events with broader reach.
That’s it for today.