Kenya calls for unified African airspace to drive trade, economic growth

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has urged African nations to enhance aviation cooperation and expedite the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) implementation to boost connectivity and spur economic growth. During the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Nairobi, Mudavadi highlighted that Africa's economic potential remains unrealized due to expensive, slow air travel reliant on external transit points.

He emphasized that aviation is crucial for trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, and cultural exchange, connecting people, markets, and opportunities. Mudavadi praised Nairobi as a financial, logistics, and diplomatic hub, praising Kenya's commitment to a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable aviation sector through strong institutions like the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority.

He noted investments in airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, communication technologies, safety equipment, and passenger facilitation services, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport modernization as a key project. Mudavadi acknowledged ongoing challenges in achieving sufficient intra-African air connectivity, urging African states to adopt the SAATM to address the issue.

The SAATM, under the African Union's Agenda 2063, aims to enable airline network expansion, promote competition, reduce costs, and attract investment. Mudavadi linked improved air connectivity to the African Continental Free Trade Area, emphasizing that people and goods movement across borders is vital for deeper economic integration.

He called for collaboration in implementing SAATM through harmonized regulations, mutual recognition of standards, strengthened safety oversight, open skies, and coordinated infrastructure investment, while avoiding unnecessary barriers to air connectivity. Mudavadi also highlighted climate change as a critical issue for the aviation sector, supporting global sustainability efforts by encouraging investment in sustainable aviation fuels, energy-efficient infrastructure, carbon reduction initiatives, and climate-resilient systems.

He further advocated for embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, digital air traffic management, biometrics, cybersecurity, and automation, with stronger cyber protection measures. Mudavadi stressed the importance of developing Africa's aviation workforce, tapping into the continent's youthful population through expanded education, technical training, research, innovation, and leadership development.

He also emphasized that efficient cargo systems could enable Africa to participate more effectively in global value chains, supporting the rapid movement of various high-value exports.