Over the years, there has been increased attention to improving aviation infrastructure on the continent. Consequently, many new airport terminals are being built across the continent and others being revamped, expanded or refurbished. While the airports are getting attention, the air navigation infrastructure and MRO infrastructure require equal attention.

MRO infrastructure limitation, for instance, has become one of the major areas restraining aviation growth on the continent. This is especially dire in the West and Central Africa regions of the continent, despite many efforts to bridge this gap. While we commend the African Development Bank (AFDB) for their efforts in this direction, we ask for more concerted government intervention to build up infrastructure for the aviation industry. Investing in MRO infrastructure will save the continent the huge outflow of foreign currency, drive affordability of air transport and create employment for Africa’s teeming youth population. Ditto for air navigation infrastructure.

Aviation infrastructure improvements will act as a catalyst for a faster growing African aviation industry. In August 2026, IATA revealed that the continent recorded a 6.7% Year on Year increase in international passenger demand, performing better than the global average. This performance is happening against the background of a challenging regional and global environment, underscoring the resilience of Africa’s aviation sector.

However, for this resilience to translate into sustained and faster economic development of Africa, free movement of people remains key. We are therefore heartened with the United Republic of Tanzania’s decision to remove Nigeria from its referred visa category. This decision will ease business and tourism flows between these two African economies. Similarly, South Africa’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a progressive step towards reducing barriers for travellers within Africa. No doubt, free movement of people is a critical pillar for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) projects.

The October-November 2026 edition features an article on the role of harmonising regulations to enhance air connectivity and competitiveness within the SAATM framework. On the cover of the edition is Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, Rector of the Nigerian College of Technology (NCAT), who shares his vision for transforming the College into a globally competitive training institution. The edition also features report on the 35th ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition, amongst other reports.

We welcome the new leadership appointments in the Southern Africa region’s aviation sector: Mr. Matome Moholola resumes as the Chief Executive Officer of Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) while Mr. Siphamandla Mthethwa is the new CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Mr. Miguel Caneiro, CEO of TAAG Angola has assumed office as Chairperson, and Dr. Bao Mosinyi, General Manager of Air Botswana as Deputy Chairperson, both of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). We congratulate and wish them impactful tenures.

Finally, as the African airline fraternity gathers in Libreville, Gabon for the 58th African Airlines Association (AFRAA)’s Annual General Assembly from November 22 to 24, Aviation & Allied Business Journal will be in attendance, bringing you news updates and exclusive interviews with leaders of the aviation industry. We hope to see you there.

Do have a pleasurable reading.

Publisher

Capt. Edward Boyo