BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday, joined other stakeholders to deepen conversations on liberalising African skies and envisioning the future of aviation in Africa at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) tagged “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference, held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In his address, Keyamo highlighted the critical importance of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an ambitious initiative aimed at liberalizing Africa’s aviation sector.
He passionately advocated for increased connectivity, enhanced safety standards, and economic growth across the continent.
Emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts, he painted a vivid picture of the transformative potential of a unified air transport market, with prospects for enhanced trade, tourism, and investment.
The Minister detailed several essential contributions required to realize SAATM’s objectives:
Policy Harmonization: He called for the alignment of aviation policies and regulations across African nations to create a seamless and efficient market.
Infrastructure Development: He underscored the urgent need for substantial investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation services to support increased traffic and ensure safety.
Capacity Building: He stressed the importance of robust training programs to develop a skilled workforce capable of sustaining a competitive aviation industry.
Public-Private Partnerships: He advocated for strategic collaborations between governments and private stakeholders to harness resources, expertise, and innovation.
Moreover, Keyamo addressed the pressing challenges that the African aviation industry faces, such as high operational costs, restrictive bilateral agreements, and limited access to financing.
He emphasized that overcoming these hurdles is crucial for unlocking SAATM’s full potential and reaping broader economic benefits for the continent.
The “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference proved to be a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among African aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts.
Minister Keyamo’s contributions were met with acclaim, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to spearheading advancements in the African aviation sector.
