AeroTrail

Introduction.

The Republic of Malawi has officially signed the Solemn Commitment to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aimed at creating a unified air transport market across Africa. The signing took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, with Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Nancy Tembo, officiating the commitment. Malawi’s accession strengthens SAATM’s vision of liberalized skies, improved intra-African connectivity, and economic integration through aviation.

The 6th URSAC Steering Committee Meeting, held in Dakar, Senegal, from February 18–20, 2025, marked a major step toward the establishment of the Community Agency for the Supervision of Civil Aviation Safety and Security (ACSAC). Led by UEMOA (West African Economic and Monetary Union), ACSAC is set to enhance aviation safety oversight in West Africa, aligning with international standards. The initiative builds on URSAC’s progress, which has improved ICAO compliance from 65.45% in 2023 to 69.88% in 2024. ACSAC, first conceptualized in 2017 through draft regulations approved by UEMOA Ministers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, will serve as West Africa’s equivalent to Central Africa’s ASSA-AC.

More than 50 global and regional airlines convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 19–21, 2025, for the air cargo Africa & transport logistic Africa 2025 —a major platform dedicated to advancing Africa’s air cargo trade. The summit fostered discussions on enhancing collaboration between African and international carriers, optimizing supply chain efficiencies, and strengthening Africa’s position in global logistics networks. A key takeaway from the event was the urgent call for African governments to prioritize open skies policies to facilitate seamless air connectivity, expand trade routes, and boost economic integration. Industry stakeholders emphasized that the continued growth of Africa’s air cargo sector is being driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is unlocking new opportunities for cross-border trade and job creation.