Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has identified poor connectivity between African countries as a major challenge facing the continent's aviation industry. He made this statement at the opening ceremony of the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly in Abuja. The assembly's theme was "Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience." Keyamo emphasized the need for stronger intra-African connectivity.
Keyamo noted that travelers across Africa often have to fly through hubs in Europe or the Middle East to reach neighboring countries due to the lack of direct routes within the continent. This results in longer journeys and higher fares. He stressed that it should not be easier to travel between an African city and a destination outside the continent than between two African cities. The Minister called for commercially viable airports, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and closer cooperation among governments, airlines, airport operators, and other stakeholders.
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is an important framework for achieving the goal of stronger intra-African connectivity. SAATM aims to open up the continent's skies by liberalizing air services between member states. Keyamo highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is creating a larger economic space, and emphasized that aviation must help make this economic integration a reality. He stated that when African airports connect Africa more effectively, the continent becomes smaller, and opportunities become larger.
Keyamo also discussed ways to improve passenger experience, citing the use of biometrics, artificial intelligence, automation, data, and digital platforms. He emphasized that technology should make a person's journey safer, easier, faster, and more dignified. The Minister called for the development of smart airports with human hearts. He stressed the importance of collective action and the role of ACI Africa in sharing experiences, benchmarking performance, and advocating policies that strengthen African aviation.
The 35th ACI Africa Annual General Assembly brought together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss challenges and opportunities in African aviation. Keyamo's speech highlighted the need for cooperation and collective action to address the challenges facing the industry. The Minister's call for stronger intra-African connectivity and commercially viable airports resonated with attendees.
The ACI Africa Annual General Assembly provides a platform for airport operators, governments, and other stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices. The assembly's theme, "Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience," reflects the need for African airports to adapt to changing demands and improve their operations. Keyamo's speech emphasized the importance of building smart airports that prioritize passenger experience.
The Nigerian government has been working to improve the country's aviation infrastructure, including the development of new airports and the upgrade of existing ones. Keyamo's call for closer cooperation among governments, airlines, and airport operators is expected to resonate with stakeholders across the continent. The Minister's speech highlighted the need for a collective effort to address the challenges facing African aviation and to unlock the industry's full potential.
Key points
- The need for stronger intra-African connectivity and commercially viable airports was emphasized.
- The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is an important framework for achieving stronger intra-African connectivity.
- Technology should make a person's journey safer, easier, faster, and more dignified.
