The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to treat aviation as a strategic driver of long-term economic and social development, warning that the sector must be fully integrated into national economic planning to unlock its full benefits.
Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, described aviation as critical economic infrastructure for the continent.
“Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa. Its value lies in the long-term benefits it delivers. An aviation strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, energy security, sustainability, and ease of doing business will create jobs, enable trade, support tourism, and further regional integration,” Alawadhi said. He added that such a strategy would generate prosperity that can support broader development more effectively than short-term taxation of travellers.
SAFETY STILL BELOW GLOBAL STANDARDS
IATA noted that Africa has recorded progress in aviation safety, with accident rates improving from 12.13 per million sectors in 2024 to 7.86 in 2025. However, this remains significantly higher than the global average of 1.32, making it the highest among all regions.
To improve safety, IATA urged African states to fully implement International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), noting that compliance in Sub-Saharan Africa currently stands at 60.34%, below the global average of 69.46% and the 75% global target.
The association also called for timely publication of aircraft accident reports, stating that only 19% of reports between 2019 and 2023 were completed, compared to a global average of 63%. It further encouraged wider use of global safety audit systems such as IOSA, ISSA, and ISAGO to strengthen oversight and operational safety.
HIGH COSTS OF AVIATION IN AFRICA
IATA raised concerns over the high cost of doing aviation business in Africa, stating that taxes and charges are about 15% higher than the global average.
It called for an end to increasing passenger-related charges such as API-PNR fees, noting that Tanzania currently imposes a USD 45 one-way charge—the highest globally. Other countries including Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were also cited as having above-average charges that distort ticket pricing and reduce connectivity.
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The association further urged African governments to implement the ECOWAS decision to eliminate aviation taxes and reduce select charges by 25% by December 2025, stressing the need for full and consistent adoption.
BLOCKED AIRLINE FUNDS AND VISA RESTRICTIONS
IATA also highlighted major challenges in doing business across the continent, particularly the restriction of airline revenue repatriation. It reported that African countries account for the largest share of blocked global airline funds, totalling USD 774 million as of March 2026.
Algeria alone accounts for USD 258 million, followed by the XAF Zone (USD 105 million), Mozambique (USD 82 million), Eritrea (USD 78 million), and Angola (USD 73 million). Alawadhi warned that continued delays in repatriation risk damaging air connectivity and investor confidence.
The association also called for visa reforms, noting that nearly half of intra-African travel still requires visas before departure, a situation that limits tourism, trade, and regional integration.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES
On sustainability, IATA highlighted Africa’s potential role in global efforts to reduce aviation emissions through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon market participation.
It urged governments to support the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and make Eligible Emission Units available. Africa could supply up to 57.6 million units, creating potential climate finance opportunities.
IATA also noted that Sub-Saharan Africa could produce up to 106 million tonnes of SAF feedstock by 2050 from agricultural and forestry waste, as well as municipal materials, if supported by strong investment and policy frameworks.
CONCLUSION
IATA concluded that aviation remains a key pillar for Africa’s economic transformation and urged governments to adopt coordinated policies that improve safety, reduce costs, ease business operations, and promote sustainability. It stressed that a strong aviation sector will enhance trade, tourism, job creation, and regional integration across the continent.
