Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 44, 2025.

Introduction

The African Union (AU) has launched an ambitious US $30 billion aviation modernization plan to transform Africa’s air transport sector over the next decade. Announced during the III Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, held in Luanda, Angola, from 28–31 October 2025, the initiative supports the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework. It aims to close aviation infrastructure gaps estimated at US $25–30 billion, identified in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC (AFCAC), and The World Bank. The plan allocates around US $10 billion for airport and aerodrome development, US $8 billion for upgrading communication, navigation, and meteorological systems, and promotes sustainable, green-technology adoption such as A-CDM and SWIM. With US $10 billion in public investment expected to mobilize an additional US $20 billion in private and institutional funding, the initiative seeks to position aviation as a key driver of continental integration, connectivity, and economic growth under the AfCFTA, preparing Africa for a projected passenger market surge from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Starting December 1, 2025, Nigeria will implement an additional $11.50 Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) levy on all inbound and outbound international flight tickets, raising the total security-related charges to $31.50 per ticket and generating an estimated $46 million annually for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The levy, intended to streamline passenger data collection, improve border control, and fund a “single window” system, exempts infants, diplomats, airline crew on duty, and short transit passengers. Critics warn that combined with existing levies—including a $20 security fee, Ticket Sales Charges, Passenger Service Charges, and fuel surcharges—Nigerian travelers already face some of the highest aviation taxes in Africa, averaging $150–$180 per ticket, which may discourage air travel and push passengers toward road transport

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has introduced stricter regulations for drone operators under the Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2019, aiming to enhance privacy and operational control. The proposed bill, awaiting approval from the National Assembly, requires drone operators to obtain written consent before using imaging devices for surveillance or capturing individuals’ images. While the rules permit the use of drones for legitimate purposes such as search and rescue, mapping, and environmental evaluation, operators must still secure KCAA approval and adhere to privacy laws. Non-compliance could lead to penalties of up to KSh 2 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, marking a major step in Kenya’s efforts to regulate unmanned aerial activities responsibly.