African aviation stakeholders push for Single African Air Transport Market implementation

Aviation regulators, airlines, and service providers are calling for a shift from policy commitments to practical delivery to realize the benefits of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). During the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Africa Conference in Nairobi, stakeholders emphasized that efficient airspace management is essential for trade, tourism, and investment.

Key priorities identified include modernizing air traffic management (ATM) capabilities, coordinating regional investments, and deepening operational cooperation. Experts noted that for the market to succeed, modernization must keep pace with demand and include significant investment in workforce training to develop the next generation of aviation professionals.

In West Africa, Liberia and Senegal are advancing efforts to liberalize aviation to expand connectivity. Discussions in Senegal focused on removing regulatory obstacles that restrict airline operations and limit direct flights between destinations. These efforts aim to improve competition and strengthen economic cooperation through the SAATM framework.