AeroWest Summit 2026 addresses African aviation and economic challenges

At the AeroWest Summit 2026 in Lagos, industry leaders and political figures addressed the structural and economic challenges facing the aviation and tourism sectors in West and Central Africa.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized that the growth of aviation is inextricably linked to good governance and economic prosperity. He argued that a thriving economy is a prerequisite for the passenger demand necessary to sustain the industry, noting that tourism serves as a vital demand engine that remains underutilized due to a lack of recognition and protection of African cultural and natural assets.

Simultaneously, aviation stakeholders raised alarms regarding the financial sustainability of regional airlines. Industry executives highlighted a widening gap between local-currency revenues and dollar-denominated operating costs, such as aircraft leasing, maintenance, and crew training. These foreign exchange pressures, combined with high taxes and a lack of local maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, are significantly increasing the cost of air travel and weakening regional connectivity.