Keyamo Advocates for Unified African Air Transport Market at IATA Conference

Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed support for the campaign towards the actualisation of the Single African Air Transport Market.

The Minister avowed his impression of the initiative at the “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference, organised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

The event, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together key stakeholders in the aviation industry to chart the future of air transport across Africa.

In his speech, Keyamo underscored the significance of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, which aims to liberalize the African aviation sector to enhance connectivity, improve safety standards, and stimulate economic growth. 

He emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among African nations to achieve the goals of SAATM, which could lead to increased trade, tourism, and investment opportunities across the continent.

The Minister highlighted several crucial contributions necessary for the success of SAATM, which include policy harmonisation. This entails the alignment of aviation policies and regulations across African countries to create a seamless and efficient air transport market.

He stressed the importance of significant investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation services to support increased air traffic and ensure safety and efficiency.

The Minister highlighted the need for capacity building, which requires comprehensive training and development programs for aviation professionals to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting a modern and competitive aviation industry.

He also encouraged public-private partnerships to leverage resources, expertise, and innovation for the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.

Keyamo also addressed the challenges facing the African aviation industry, including high operational costs, restrictive bilateral agreements, and limited access to financing. 

He stressed that overcoming these obstacles is essential to unlocking the full potential of SAATM and realising broader economic benefits for the continent.

The “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts, as the Minister’s contributions were well-received, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing the African aviation industry.

The conference highlighted the collective vision for a unified and thriving African air transport market, setting the stage for a new era of aviation growth and development across the continent.