LAGOS – African governments have been called upon to tap into the potential of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in a bid to successfully grow the aviation industry on the continent.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, canvassed this position on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa in his address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference with the theme: ‘Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024.’
A statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to Keyamo said that the minister emphasised the critical importance of SAATM to the participants.
According to Keyamo, the SAATM initiative aimed to liberalising the African aviation industry in a bid to enhance connectivity, improve safety standards, and boost economic growth.
He, however, said that for this to become a reality, there was the need for African governments to embrace collaborative efforts, stressing that it would also increase trade, tourism and investment opportunities that a unified air transport market could bring for the continent.
Keyamo reiterated that to achieve the SAATM objectives, there was also the need for policy harmonisation, infrastructure, infrastructure development, capacity building, Public Private Partnership (PPP).
He further emphasised the need for significant investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation services to support increased air traffic and ensure safety and efficiency.
Besides, he highlighted the importance of training and development programmes for aviation professionals to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting a modern and competitive aviation industry.
The statement added: “The minister also called for a concerted effort to address the challenges facing the African aviation industry, such as high operational costs, restrictive bilateral agreements, and limited access to financing.
“Overcoming these obstacles is essential to unlocking the full potential of SAATM and achieving the broader economic benefits for the continent.”
The conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African aviation leaders, regulators and industry experts.
Keyamo’s contributions further reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing the African aviation industry.
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