PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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In recent months, some states in Africa have announced plans to introduce charges, fees or taxes on air ticket that would have direct impact on ticket prices on the continent in spite of calls to reduce these charges to encourage more people to fly for the growth of the air transport industry. This is coming after governments in West Africa had set a January 1, 2026 timeline to reduce charges and fees on air transport in the region.
We reiterate that additional charges on air transport are not conducive for the growth of the sector but, if anything, would further asphyxiate it. Air transport is a driver of economic growth and has been employed by many countries to stimulate their economic development. We therefore urge African states not to impose additional charges, fees or taxes on air transport.
The International Air Transport Association – (IATA)’s air passenger traffic data for August 2025 has conveyed the pleasant news that Africa had the highest growth rate of all regions at 8.9 percent over the same period in 2024, reinforcing the resilience of air transport on the continent. It also reflects the huge potentials of the industry, if provided the right environment.
One of such areas calling for attention is the Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Free Movement of Persons is one of the flagship projects of the African Union Agenda 2063. It is worth echoing that without free movement for Africans within Africa, the continent would not fully achieve the objectives of the two other crucial initiatives of Agenda 2063 namely the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). We commend the African states that have taken the bold steps to remove visa requirement for Africans to visit their countries, but the pace of implementation of free movement for Africans must be sped up, and we call for a unified continental push at this juncture.
The SAATM Project Implementation Programme (PIP) will be marking its third year in November 2025 having been established in November 2022 in Dakar, Senegal. The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Secretariat has leveraged the PIP programme to promote SAATM implementation. As we reflect on the third anniversary of the SAATM PIP, we urge for a rekindled vigour amongst African states to liberalise air transport on the continent.
Notably, at the just concluded 42nd Triennial Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada various sectors of the industry including airlines, airports and ANSPs have articulated their key priority areas for the next three years; Africa must be on board.
We congratulate the African states that were elected into the ICAO Council during the Assembly and urge them to be a consistent voice for Africa. We also salute the Director General of Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority, Ms Paule Assoumou Koki who served as the 2nd Vice President of the Assembly, and the Director General of Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Silas Udahemuka, who was appointed Chairperson of the Economic Commission.
On the same note, we felicitate with Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on her recent election as Vice President for Airports Council international (Africa)
This edition of the Journal features materials on air transport liberalization, free movement of persons, aviation training and border management in Africa. We also feature news from the 42nd ICAO Assembly. Our interview guest for the edition is Ms. Silva Rodrigues Jailza, the Executive Director of BAGASOO (Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety And Security Oversight Organisation).
Please have an enjoyable reading.
Edward Boyo (Capt.)
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