PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The Aviation sector in Africa ended year 2025 in a particularly good fashion with year-on-year increases for both passenger and cargo traffic. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Africa’s air cargo demand grew by 6% over 2024 and above the 3.4% global growth rate. On the passenger side, IATA reported that Africa had a 7.8% passenger traffic increase over the same period. IATA has projected a slowing of the air cargo traffic rate globally but the recent extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act by the Trump Administration after delays may be a timely shot in the arm for the African air cargo industry.
Whilst the continued growth of the aviation sector in Africa is heartwarming, the way forward demands a clear-eyed focus on implementing tested strategies that will drive the sustained development of air transport on the continent. The industry should implement fully without further delays air transport liberalization through the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM); free movement of persons in Africa and removal of barriers to trade in Africa through the full adoption of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In the same vein, there is need for continental policies to confront challenges in the industry including, but no limited to, lack of access to finance, high price of jet fuel, high charges and fees and concomitant high air fares, and weak infrastructure. Other areas deserving attention are the adoption of newer technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the need for increased investment and participation in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ecosystem.
It is therefore fitting that there are many events planned to discuss these issues in the coming months. The African MRO Summit being organized by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in March; and the African Aviation Expo being hosted by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in Lome, Togo in June 2026 will provide platforms to galvanize the African air transport industry to make the needed changes.
As the year rolls by, stakeholders will also be keen to see how the reduction of fees and charges agreed by the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) which commenced on January 1, 2026 is being implemented especially for the anticipated impact on air fares.
An area the African aviation industry needs to pay attention to is Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this edition of Aviation & Allied Business Africa Journal, we invited a thought-leader in the sector, Dr. Sheryl Walters-Macolm to share insights on Artificial Intelligence and the African Airport sector. We also feature articles on the evolving trend in pilot training and the issue of blocked airline funds.
TAAG Angola Airlines has been making waves in the recent past with their investment in new airplanes, movement to the new Augustinho Neto International Airport and training of pilots and mechanics to support the growth of the airline. Our interview guest in this edition is the CEO of TAAG, Mr. Nelson Rodrigues de Oliveiria who speaks on what is driving the airline.
As we navigate these exciting times, we look forward to continuously partner with you for the growth of the African air transport industry.
Thank you.
Edward Boyo (Capt.)
Publisher