Aviation Strategy in Africa: IATA calls for coordinated policy action

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to treat aviation as a key part of economic and social development, highlighting its role in supporting jobs, trade, tourism and regional integration.

Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said that aviation policies should focus on safety, cost structures, sustainability and ease of doing business. These areas, he noted, can support long-term economic outcomes more effectively than short-term revenue measures such as passenger taxes.

Africa Aviation Policy: Key areas identified by IATA

Safety improvements remain a priority

Africa has seen a reduction in aviation accident rates, falling from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors between 2024 and 2025. However, this remains above the global average of 1.32.

IATA has outlined several steps to address this gap, including stronger implementation of ICAO standards, improved publication of accident reports, and wider use of global safety audit programmes.

Addressing high operating costs

The cost of aviation operations across Africa remains above global levels, driven in part by taxes and charges imposed by governments and service providers.

IATA has recommended reducing these charges, implementing regional agreements, such as the ECOWAS decision, to lower aviation costs, and maintaining existing airline taxation frameworks to avoid duplication across jurisdictions.

Improving ease of doing business

The association also highlighted barriers affecting airline operations, particularly restrictions on revenue repatriation. As of March 2026, African countries accounted for USD 774 million in blocked airline funds.

In addition, visa requirements continue to limit intra-African travel, with nearly half of routes still requiring pre-departure visas. IATA noted that easing visa processes has led to increased travel demand in markets where changes have been introduced.

Sustainability and energy considerations

IATA pointed to opportunities for Africa in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and carbon offset markets.

The region has the potential to produce significant SAF feedstock by 2050 using agricultural and municipal waste. At the same time, participation in global frameworks such as CORSIA could generate climate-related financing while supporting environmental targets.

IATA’s recommendations focus on coordinated policy measures across safety, cost management, operational efficiency and sustainability, aimed at supporting aviation’s contribution to wider economic development across the continent.

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