Focus Africa conference highlights safety, cost, and sustainability as key policy drivers

ADDIS ABABA — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a strategic enabler of long-term economic and social development, outlining a multi-layered policy framework during its Focus Africa conference.

AVIATION POSITIONED AS ECONOMIC ENABLER

IATA emphasised that aviation should be treated as core economic infrastructure, supporting trade, tourism, job creation, and regional integration.

The association outlined a coordinated strategy built around four pillars: safety, cost-competitiveness, ease of doing business, and sustainability.

SAFETY PROGRESS CONTINUES BUT GAPS REMAIN

While aviation safety performance across Africa has improved, it remains below global benchmarks.

The accident rate declined from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors between 2024 and 2025, but still exceeds the global average of 1.32. IATA highlighted the need for stronger implementation of ICAO standards, improved accident reporting, and wider use of global safety audit programmes.

COST ENVIRONMENT CONSTRAINS GROWTH

IATA identified the cost of operating in Africa as a key constraint, with taxes and charges estimated to be around 15% higher than the global average.

Concerns were raised over high API-PNR charges in several countries, as well as the need to implement regional agreements aimed at reducing aviation-related taxes and fees.

The association also cautioned against proposals for source-based airline taxation, warning that such approaches could lead to double taxation across international operations.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REMAINS CRITICAL

Barriers to operational efficiency continue to affect airlines across the continent.

IATA reported that African countries account for the largest share of globally blocked airline funds, totalling approximately USD 774 million as of March 2026. This restricts airlines’ ability to repatriate revenues and impacts route sustainability.

Visa restrictions were also highlighted, with nearly half of intra-African travel still requiring pre-departure visas, limiting mobility and regional connectivity.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY SECURITY OPPORTUNITIES

The organisation identified significant opportunities for Africa in sustainable aviation development, particularly in relation to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to supply large volumes of SAF feedstock by 2050, supported by agricultural and waste resources. However, IATA noted that policy alignment, investment, and infrastructure development will be required to unlock this potential.

Support for global mechanisms such as CORSIA was also highlighted as a pathway for generating climate finance and integrating Africa into global decarbonisation frameworks.

POLICY ALIGNMENT NEEDED FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH

IATA’s position reflects a broader industry view that aviation’s contribution to economic development depends on coordinated policy action.

Without improvements in safety oversight, cost structures, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development, the sector’s ability to support long-term growth across the continent will remain constrained.