African governments are being urged to rethink aviation not as a luxury sector, but as core economic infrastructure capable of unlocking long-term growth, jobs, and trade across the continent.
At its latest Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week delivered a blunt message that neglecting aviation policy is costing Africa economic momentum it can no longer afford to lose.
“Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa,” said Kamil Alawadhi. His argument is simple but compelling, that countries who prioritise safe, competitive, and efficient air transport systems will see broader gains in tourism, trade, and regional integration, far outweighing short-term tax revenues extracted from travellers. Despite its potential, Africa’s aviation sector remains constrained by structural inefficiencies. Safety, while improving, lags behind global standards. The continent’s accident rate declined significantly between 2024 and 2025, but remains the highest worldwide, well above the global average. IATA argues that closing this gap requires stricter implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, better accident reporting, and wider adoption of global safety audit programmes. Without these reforms, Africa risks undermining confidence in its aviation systems, deterring both investment and passenger growth. Cost competitiveness is another major obstacle. Airlines operating in Africa face charges and taxes roughly 15% higher than global norms, a burden ultimately passed on to consumers through elevated ticket prices. In some countries, passenger data processing fees have spiralled far beyond international benchmarks, distorting the market and suppressing demand. IATA has warned that governments treating aviation as a cash cow rather than an economic catalyst are effectively stifling connectivity and growth.
The situation is compounded by policy inconsistencies. While West African states under Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed in 2025 to reduce aviation charges, implementation has been slow and uneven. At the same time, proposals to shift airline taxation models risk creating double taxation scenarios, which is an outcome that could deter international carriers from expanding African routes.
Beyond cost pressures, ease of doing business remains a critical weak point. Africa currently accounts for the largest share of airline revenues blocked by governments, with US$774 million trapped as of early 2026. Countries such as Algeria, Mozambique, and Angola are among the worst offenders, restricting airlines’ ability to repatriate earnings despite international agreements guaranteeing this right. The consequences are immediate and severe: reduced flight frequencies, higher fares, and in some cases, route cancellations.
Visa policies present another barrier. Nearly half of intra-African travel still requires pre-approved visas, significantly limiting mobility across the continent. This stands in stark contrast to regions like Europe, where seamless movement has been a cornerstone of economic integration. IATA maintains that easing visa restrictions would stimulate tourism, strengthen regional trade, and improve the viability of air routes that currently struggle to attract sufficient demand.