AeroTrail

Introduction.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to prioritize aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and regional connectivity, highlighting its $75 billion contribution to the continent’s GDP and support for over 8.1 million jobs. With the sector projected to grow 4.1% annually and double by 2044, IATA outlined three critical areas for action: improving aviation safety through stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and timely accident reporting; reducing excessive taxes and charges, which are 15% higher than the global average; and urgently addressing the $1 billion in blocked airline revenues across 26 African countries, which hinder connectivity and investment. IATA also emphasized the importance of the CORSIA emissions scheme, with 20 African states participating, and encouraged broader support to prevent fragmented carbon policies and attract climate finance. These recommendations are central to IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, launched in 2023, which aims to enhance safety, affordability, and access across the continent’s aviation landscape.

Conferences & Events

From July 28 to August 1, 2025, N’Djamena, Chad hosted a key statutory session of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), bringing together aviation leaders from 19 member states. The session began with technical and preparatory meetings, followed by the 155th Board of Directors session on July 30, which focused on financial oversight, human resources, and system upgrades. The high point was the 75th Ministerial Committee session on August 1, where Chad’s Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, was elected chair for a one-year term. She pledged to strengthen collaboration, address challenges in safety, digitalization, and infrastructure, and steer ASECNA toward modernization and resilience.