Africa’s huge population accounts for just 2% of global air traffic – Report

Despite Africa's 18% share of the world's population, the continent accounts for a mere 2% of global air traffic, according to a report by the Atlantic Council. The report, titled "Opening Africa’s Skies to Trade, Growth, and Jobs," identifies several factors contributing to Africa's underdeveloped aviation market. These include high costs, inconvenience, and limited connectivity, which discourage intra-African travel and trade.

The report notes that while 21 million Africans lived in another African country as of 2020, over 80% of African migrants remain within the continent. Furthermore, more than 70% of Africa's air service agreements are restrictive, limiting flight frequencies, aircraft types, and routes. These barriers, which are twice as prevalent in Africa compared to Asia, have fragmented the continent's aviation market.

The report calls for the implementation of the African Union's Single African Air Transport Market, removal of capacity restrictions, and increased competition among airlines. Enhanced air connectivity could bolster Africa's economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area, facilitating the movement of people and high-value, time-sensitive goods across borders.

The aviation sector currently contributes about $75 billion to Africa's GDP and supports an estimated 8.1 million jobs. To address the infrastructure gaps that have limited air connectivity, the African Union unveiled a $30 billion plan in October 2025 to modernize airports and airspace systems across the continent over the next decade.

The plan aims to improve aviation safety and efficiency while strengthening connectivity across African markets.