The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to take decisive action to strengthen the continent’s aviation sector,describing it as a vital engine for economic growth,connectivity,and job creation.
Currently contributing $75 billion to Africa’s GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs,the aviation industry is projected to grow at 4.1% annually,doubling in size by 2044. However,IATA warns that the sector’s potential is being held back by key challenges: safety gaps,high taxes,and blocked airline revenues. “Aviation is not a luxury — it is an economic and social lifeline,” said Somas Appavou,IATA’s Regional Director for Africa. “Focus Africa is about turning potential into jobs,growth and prosperity,” he added,stressing that regional governments must enhance safety by fully implementing ICAO standards,especially as Africa’s compliance rate lags behind global targets.
Air transport costs also remain a barrier,with taxes and charges in Africa averaging 15% above the global norm. IATA called for smarter,growth-oriented policies to avoid suppressing demand and harming development. Perhaps most urgently,IATA highlighted that $1 billion in airline revenues remain blocked in 26 African countries. This not only violates international agreements but also discourages investment and reduces connectivity. Through its “Focus Africa” initiative,launched in 2023,IATA is working with stakeholders to address these issues. The group also encouraged governments to support the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation,or CORSIA,the global climate mechanism,as a means to ensure sustainable aviation growth across the continent.
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