Addis Ababa, April 30, 2026 Aviation leaders from across the continent have called for stronger cooperation, improved safety standards, and full implementation of open skies policies to unlock economic growth and deepen regional integration for Africa’s 1.4 billion people.
Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to prioritize aviation as a key driver of economic and social development.
The two-day gathering underscored the sector’s critical role in advancing trade, tourism, and connectivity across the continent.
In his opening keynote, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Bareo Hassen, stressed the urgency of coordinated action.
“Here on African soil, at a defining moment for our continent, I commend IATA for placing Africa at the center of the global aviation agenda,” he said.
Hassen highlighted Ethiopia’s major aviation investments, including the expansion of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the development of Bishoftu Airport City, and plans for a new mega hub designed to position the country as Africa’s leading aviation gateway.
Reaffirming commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), he called for an end to fragmented policies.
“Protectionism and fragmentation must give way to openness, competition, and cooperation. Africa must speak with one voice and act with shared purpose,” he said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, echoed the call, pointing to rising demand for air travel and the need for stronger connectivity. He cited Nigeria’s 91.4 percent safety audit score from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as evidence of progress.
“We must dismantle barriers, harmonize policies, and fully embrace open skies,” Keyamo said.
Representing ICAO, Lucy Mbugua described aviation as “a powerful enabler of economic growth, trade, tourism, and regional integration,” noting that global air traffic is expected to double by 2050, with Africa positioned for significant expansion.
The Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission, Adefunke Adeyemi, emphasized a comprehensive approach built on seven strategic pillars, including safety, innovation, and capacity building.
“Safety is not just a coordinated effort, but a joint one we all succeed together,” she said, adding that training programs have reached more than 1,000 participants, 55 percent of them women.
Meanwhile, Abderahmane Berthe of the African Airlines Association stressed the importance of unity as the sector rebounds.
“Air transport is not a luxury; it is an engine of integration, trade, and human development,” he said, calling for accelerated implementation of SAATM and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.
From the industry perspective, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, acknowledged persistent challenges such as high operational costs and limited maintenance capacity, while underscoring long-term potential.
“Air transport is a proven catalyst for socio-economic development,” he said. “By coming together at this conference, we have taken a decisive step toward being part of the solution.”
The conference concluded with a strong call for collective action, reinforcing a shared vision of a competitive, integrated, and resilient African aviation sector.
TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
