<p>Vector-borne diseases, particularly arboviral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (e.g. dengue, Zika and chikungunya), have (re)emerged globally with increasing prevalence and severity. Climatic and environmental changes have resulted in significant expansion of the geographical distribution of <i>Aedes</i> mosquito vectors to unprecedented levels, creating optimal conditions for their introduction and establishment in new areas, especially in Africa. The prevention of <i>Aedes</i>-borne diseases relies heavily on controlling vector populations. However, the global resurgence of dengue underscores the limitations of current vector control tools in preventing epidemics, highlighting the urgent need for affordable, scalable and community-based vector control measures to address <i>Aedes</i>-borne diseases and urban mosquito vectors (e.g. <i>Aedes</i> spp. and <i>Anopheles stephensi</i>), with the overall aim to improve public health and well-being. In this report, we summarize the main outcomes of the “International conference on advances in surveillance and control methods for <i>Aedes</i>-borne diseases and urban vectors” held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 26–28 August 2024. The conference aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote collaborative research and drive innovation in the surveillance and control of <i>Aedes</i>-borne diseases in Africa. Key objectives included reviewing the performance of new tools and technologies for <i>Aedes</i> control, and fostering inter-sectoral and international collaborations to strengthen public health measures against mosquito-borne diseases. The event was attended by more than 200 participants from 20 nationalities/countries and was streamed live online, with 321 virtual accesses recorded during the 3-day event.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>