Session 1 brought together senior representatives from the African Union Commission, UNECA, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, the Government of Togo, Ministers, airline executives, industry associations, AFCAC, ASECNA and SAATM Ambassadors.
The session focused on the strategic role of air transport in advancing African integration, trade, tourism, investment, and economic transformation. Discussions were centered on accelerating implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) with a 2063 horizon, through enhanced market liberalization, improved connectivity, removal of market access barriers, and stronger institutional coordination.
While progress has been made since SAATM’s launch, participants noted that greater effort is needed to turn political commitments into measurable outcomes. The AU’s designation of “Transport and Technology” as its 2027 theme was highlighted as an opportunity to mobilize commitment, strengthen accountability, and position aviation as a key driver of continental integration.
Key Recommendations
- Accelerate SAATM: Implement concrete national, regional, and continental measures to boost connectivity and market access.
- Remove market access restrictions: Grant 5th freedom rights and eliminate unnecessary limits on routes, frequencies and capacities, in line with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).
- Harmonize regulation: Align bilateral and multilateral air services agreements with the principles of YD and SAATM to create a predictable, transparent regulatory environment.
- Strengthen trade and mobility: Align SAATM with AfCFTA objectives to enhance trade corridors, regional value chains, tourism, business travel, and seamless intra-African movement.
- Improve affordability and competitiveness of African aviation: Reduce taxes, fees, and charges that drive up the cost of flying in Africa.
- Develop infrastructure: Fast-track bankable projects for airports, air navigation services, cargo facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
- Mobilize investment: Attract financing for infrastructure, air cargo, SAF development, and skills training to support transformation.
- Leverage partnerships: Work with AFCAC, AfDB, Afreximbank, and other partners to unlock financing and technical support.
- Enhance coordination: Improve collaboration among AU institutions, member states, development partners, and industry.
- Position aviation strategically: Recognize aviation’s contribution to trade, tourism, investment, jobs, integration, and sustainable growth.
- Use 2027 momentum: Leverage the AU’s Transport and Technology year to drive political will and implementation.