AFRICA MUST BACK AVIATION TO DRIVE AfCFTA SUCCESS – IATA | The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to transform Africa’s economy and lift millions out of poverty, but this ambition will not succeed without aviation at its core, Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has said.
Speaking at the Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali, Alawadhi described aviation as the “backbone” of AfCFTA’s promise to create a single market of 1.3 billion people. He warned, however, that Africa’s current aviation landscape remains far from meeting this challenge.
“Today, intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of the continent’s total trade, compared to more than 60% in Europe. That gap tells us what is at stake,” Alawadhi said.
According to IATA, more than 80% of intra-African routes remain underserved, restricting the free flow of goods, services, and people that AfCFTA seeks to achieve. Airlines, airports, and logistics providers are prepared to support the integration agenda, but Alawadhi stressed that governments must shift their view of aviation from a revenue source to a strategic enabler of trade and growth.
“As global protectionism rises, Africa has a unique opportunity to strengthen its internal trade networks,” he said. “By investing in aviation infrastructure, liberalizing markets, and aligning policies, the continent can build resilient supply chains and unlock new economic corridors.”
Beyond cargo, Alawadhi pointed out that aviation enables trade through business travel, tourism, and foreign investment. “Every flight that connects African cities is a step toward a more integrated and prosperous continent,” he said.
AFRICA MUST BACK AVIATION TO DRIVE AfCFTA SUCCESS – IATA | AviationGhana
