The announcement came at the conclusion of the 18th plenary session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) held in Abuja on 22 May 2025, where West African nations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). SAAM is designed to foster a more connected, competitive, and streamlined air travel network throughout Africa.

Africa’s air travel industry currently faces significant challenges, including high operational costs and limited connectivity.

 Presently, only 19% of the continent’s 1,431 country pairs enjoy direct air service. Industry data underscores the potential impact of enhanced connectivity: the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that improved links among just 12 key African countries could generate 155,000 jobs and contribute over $1.3 billion to GDP. Meanwhile, the African Union Commission (AUC) estimates that full SAATM implementation within the East African Community alone could boost passenger numbers by 2.8 million, save $267 million in fares, and add $590.9 million annually to the regional GDP.

SAAM aims to bridge these gaps by lowering travel costs, enhancing connectivity, and enabling smoother air travel across the continent. During the three-day meeting in Abuja, aviation leaders pledged to align national policies with SAATM’s updated framework, integrating its principles into regulatory structures to usher in an era of more accessible and efficient air transport.

This initiative forms a key part of the African Union’s broader Agenda 2063 vision, which aspires to achieve a fully integrated, self-sustaining Africa through strategic economic and infrastructural development.

With the launch of SAAM, West Africa leads the charge towards a unified air market that promises to unlock the continent’s full aviation potential and foster greater regional and international collaboration