IATA Urges African Governments to Prioritise Aviation Investment
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to treat aviation as a key socio-economic enabler, citing steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic across the continent.
In an interview, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said a robust aviation strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, and sustainability would help create jobs, enable trade, and support tourism.
“The prosperity this generates will allow governments to push forward social and economic development more durably than any tax that might be collected from travellers,” Alawadhi said.
According to IATA data, African airlines recorded a 19.2% year-on-year increase in demand in March, with capacity rising 4.2% and load factors reaching 77.7%.
IATA also urged wider implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), greater use of global safety audits, and more consistent accident reporting. Between 2019 and 2023, only 19% of accidents in Africa were fully investigated, compared to a global average of 63%.
On the opportunity front, IATA highlighted sustainability and energy security as key focus areas. Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to supply up to 106 million tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-suitable feedstock by 2050, derived largely from agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. This, IATA noted, links energy security with the continent’s sustainability agenda.
Ethiopia was held up as a model for the region. Passenger numbers to and from the East African country are expected to triple over the next 20 years, underscoring the need for continued investment in infrastructure, skills, and sustainability.
“With 60% of Ethiopia’s population under the age of 25, aviation presents a powerful opportunity to transform growth into jobs, skills and broader economic development,” Alawadhi said.
On the sidelines of this year’s IATA forum, the association launched its Billing & Settlement Plan in Somalia, supporting the Somali government’s push to expand its aviation sector and global connectivity.
“The government recognises the significant economic benefits that air travel can deliver, and we are pleased to support them on that journey,” Alawadhi concluded.