A transformative chapter in African aviation is unfolding as Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Cape Verde, and The Gambia spearhead the swift implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This landmark initiative—part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063—aims to eliminate barriers in the continent’s aviation sector by creating a unified, liberalized airspace, improving connectivity, reducing costs, and boosting trade, tourism, and investment.
The 18th plenary session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), held in Abuja, marked a pivotal step toward realizing this goal. Key stakeholders, including Directors-General of Civil Aviation from BAG member countries, convened with a shared commitment to fast-track SAATM’s implementation and integrate its revised principles into national aviation policies and legislative frameworks.
A Vision for Seamless African Connectivity
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized the strategic importance of SAATM in improving air travel across Africa. According to him, the initiative promises shorter travel times, better service quality, and more affordable ticket prices—all essential for strengthening economic integration and regional mobility.
Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), echoed this call to action, urging member states to urgently align domestic regulations with SAATM to ensure smooth implementation. She highlighted the need for robust regulatory frameworks and institutions capable of managing the aviation sector’s evolving demands.
Legislative and Institutional Support
Representing the Nigerian Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Augustine Akobundu reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to BAG’s objectives and to the necessary legislative reforms to support SAATM. He stressed the importance of harmonized air transport regulations for achieving a unified West African aviation ecosystem.
Overcoming Challenges for a Common Goal
Despite widespread support, the aviation sector in Africa still faces challenges, including high airfares, fragmented regulatory systems, and uneven infrastructure development. SAATM aims to address these issues by allowing African airlines to operate freely across borders, without restrictive bilateral agreements—promoting competition, lowering prices, and improving accessibility.
One significant hurdle is the disparity in infrastructure and regulatory readiness among African nations. To address this, the BAG session discussed providing technical and financial support to less-resourced countries, alongside capacity-building programs to strengthen the skills of aviation professionals continent-wide.
Collaboration and Reform at the Core
Participants agreed on the need for closer collaboration between governments, aviation authorities, and international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to drive effective reform. They also stressed the importance of blacklisting non-compliant Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres and strengthening oversight of tutorial and training institutions to reduce malpractice and ensure safety.
Looking Ahead
As the plenary concluded, Minister Keyamo called on African governments to prioritize SAATM, ensuring their national policies align with its objectives. He reiterated that the initiative is vital to unlocking Africa’s aviation potential and fostering a more interconnected and prosperous continent.
With unwavering political will, harmonized policies, and strong regulatory institutions, the implementation of SAATM could usher in a new era for African aviation—one marked by affordability, accessibility, and accelerated economic development.
