The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to reposition aviation as a strategic pillar of economic growth, warning that high costs, regulatory gaps, and infrastructure challenges continue to limit the sector’s full potential across the continent.
Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, IATA stressed that aviation should be viewed not as a revenue source through taxes, but as critical economic infrastructure capable of driving trade, tourism, job creation, and regional integration.
“Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa… The prosperity it generates will allow governments to push forward social and economic development more durably than any tax that might be collected from travelers,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
Safety Improving but Still Lagging Globally
Africa has made notable progress in aviation safety, with the accident rate declining from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors between 2024 and 2025. However, this remains significantly above the global average of 1.32, making Africa the highest-risk region globally.
IATA highlighted key areas for improvement:
-
Strengthening implementation of ICAO safety standards, currently at 60.34% compliance, below the global average
-
Improving accident investigation reporting, with only 19% of reports completed compared to 63% globally
-
Expanding use of global safety audits such as IOSA and ISSA
These measures, IATA argues, are essential to building trust and attracting investment in the aviation sector.
High Costs Undermining Competitiveness
One of the biggest barriers to growth is the high cost of doing business, with aviation charges in Africa estimated to be 15% higher than the global average.
IATA singled out excessive government-imposed fees, including:
-
API-PNR charges, with Tanzania’s $45 one-way fee among the highest globally
-
Additional levies in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Angola
Such costs, the association warned, distort ticket prices, reduce demand, and weaken connectivity across the continent.
The organisation also urged full implementation of a December 2025 ECOWAS decision to reduce aviation charges and eliminate certain taxes—seen as a key step toward improving affordability and access.
Blocked Airline Funds Threaten Connectivity
A major concern raised by IATA is the issue of blocked airline revenues, which have reached $774 million across Africa as of March 2026.
Countries with the highest levels include:
-
Algeria: $258 million
-
XAF Zone: $105 million
-
Mozambique: $82 million
-
Eritrea: $78 million
-
Angola: $73 million
When airlines are unable to repatriate earnings, it discourages operations, reduces route availability, and ultimately limits connectivity.
Visa Barriers Restrict Regional Integration
Despite efforts to improve mobility, nearly half of intra-African travel still requires pre-departure visas, significantly hindering tourism, trade, and business travel.
IATA noted that countries which have eased visa requirements have seen:
Sustainability Presents Major Opportunity
Beyond current challenges, IATA highlighted significant opportunities for Africa in sustainable aviation and energy security, particularly through:
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
-
Africa could produce up to 106 million tonnes of SAF feedstock by 2050
-
Potential sources include agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal waste
Carbon Markets (CORSIA):
With the right policies and investment, these areas could generate jobs, revenue, and long-term energy resilience.
A Call for Strategic Reform
IATA outlined a comprehensive policy framework built on four pillars:
-
Improve safety standards and oversight
-
Reduce costs and eliminate excessive taxes
-
Enhance ease of doing business, including revenue repatriation and visa reforms
-
Leverage sustainability opportunities for growth and energy security
Aviation as a Catalyst for Development
The organisation emphasised that aviation’s true value lies in its multiplier effect—enabling trade corridors, supporting tourism industries, and integrating regional economies.
Without reforms, however, Africa risks missing out on these benefits at a time when global connectivity and mobility are becoming increasingly central to economic competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
As African economies continue to grow and urbanise, demand for air travel is expected to rise sharply. The challenge for governments will be to create an enabling environment that allows aviation to thrive.
IATA’s message is clear: prioritising aviation is not just about transport—it is about unlocking Africa’s broader economic potential.