The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to urgently prioritize aviation as a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, trade, and social development. The appeal was made during a recent address by Somas Appavou, IATA’s Regional Director for External Affairs in Africa, highlighting the transformative power of aviation in fostering prosperity across the continent.
“Aviation contributes $75 billion to Africa’s GDP and supports 8.1 million jobs,” Appavou stated. “More than growth projections, what matters is how aviation fuels development across sectors—from tourism to trade.”
The continent’s aviation market is projected to grow at 4.1% annually, potentially doubling in size by 2044, but IATA warns that urgent action is needed to overcome long-standing challenges that threaten this trajectory.
IATA’s Three Key Priorities for Africa
1. Enhance Aviation Safety
While safety has improved, Africa still lags behind global averages in implementing international aviation standards. Only 59.5% of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) are effectively implemented across Sub-Saharan Africa—far below the global average of 69.2% and the target of 75%.
- Runway excursions were the leading cause of the 10 reported African aviation accidents in 2024.
- Only 8 out of 42 accidents from 2018–2023 have published final reports, violating ICAO Annex 13 standards.
- IATA is urging countries to adopt tools like the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) to bolster oversight and ensure consistent, risk-based operational safety.
2. Lower the Burden of Taxes and Charges
Taxes and charges on air travel in Africa are 15% higher than the global average, deterring both passengers and airlines.
“Excessive taxation stifles demand and inhibits the very growth that African economies seek,” said Appavou.
IATA recommends a coordinated, strategic approach to aviation infrastructure financing, ensuring that fees fund necessary improvements without undermining affordability or scalability.
3. Resolve the Issue of Blocked Airline Funds
Africa accounts for $1 billion in blocked airline revenues—an astonishing 73% of global blocked funds—across 26 countries, severely limiting airlines’ ability to operate.
“When airlines can’t access their revenues, they cut services. This reduces connectivity, harms tourism and trade, and isolates markets,” Appavou warned.
IATA urges governments to honor international agreements and remove repatriation barriers, enabling continued investment and service provision.
The Role of CORSIA in Africa’s Aviation Future
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a key element of the industry’s net-zero roadmap. Currently in its voluntary reporting phase (2024–2026), CORSIA will become mandatory in 2027.
- 129 countries are participating in CORSIA as of 2025, including 20 African states.
- IATA is advocating against a fragmented patchwork of national or regional carbon taxes, which could undermine the efficiency and fairness of the global offsetting system.
“Making CORSIA Emissions Units (EEUs) available will help countries meet obligations, attract climate investments, and generate revenue from carbon markets,” IATA noted.
Focus Africa: Turning Challenges into Growth
IATA's Focus Africa initiative, launched in 2023, aims to deliver tangible improvements in safety, affordability, and connectivity by collaborating with governments, industry players, and development partners.
“Aviation is not a luxury. It is an economic and social lifeline. Focus Africa is about turning potential into jobs, growth, and prosperity,” Appavou emphasized.
With Africa’s economic ambitions and demographic growth aligned with a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape, IATA's message is clear: unlocking the continent’s full potential requires immediate, coordinated, and sustained action on aviation reform.