By Sade Williams
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called for collaboration among African countries in order to realize the goals of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
He spoke at the just concluded International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference titled “Wings of Change Focus Africa 202.
The conference, held in Johannesburg, gathered key stakeholders in the aviation industry to discuss the future of air transport across the African continent.
The Minister emphasized the critical importance of SAATM, an initiative aimed at liberalizing the African aviation industry to enhance connectivity, improve safety standards, and boost economic growth.
According to a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, he underscored the need for collaborative efforts among African nations to realize the goals of SAATM, highlighting the potential for increased trade, tourism, and investment opportunities that a unified air transport market could bring.
Keyamo outlined several key contributions necessary for achieving the SAATM objectives, including: Policy Harmonization aimed advocating for the alignment of aviation policies and regulations across African countries to create a seamless and efficient air transport market.
He also spoke of infrastructure development and the need for significant investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation services to support increased air traffic and ensure safety and efficiency.
Keyamo spoke of capacity building and the importance of training and development programs for aviation professionals to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting a modern and competitive aviation industry.
He mentioned Public-Private Partnerships as one of the keys to unlocking SAATM, adding that encouraging partnerships between governments and private sector stakeholders would leverage resources, expertise, and innovation for the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.
The Minister also called for a concerted effort to address the challenges facing the African aviation industry, such as high operational costs, restrictive bilateral agreements, and limited access to financing. He stressed that overcoming these obstacles is essential to unlocking the full potential of SAATM and achieving the broader economic benefits for the continent.
The “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts.
The Minister’s contributions were well-received, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing the African aviation industry.
