[ACCI-CAVIE] Air transport, a strategic pillar for economic development, remains a major challenge in West Africa. Despite outdated infrastructure, high ticket prices, and incomplete regional integration, promising initiatives are emerging, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the center. This framework serves as a critical lever to modernize the sector and boost intra-African connectivity.
Intra-African Connectivity: Signs of Recovery
Since December 2022, intra-African air connectivity has returned to pre-pandemic levels, though passenger flows remain below expectations. However, 2024 looks promising, with 98 million passengers projected—exceeding pre-pandemic volumes. By fostering enhanced economic and trade integration, AfCFTA could further catalyze this recovery, making continental flights more accessible and competitive.
An Economic Puzzle to Solve
The high cost of air travel, particularly for intra-African routes, remains a significant barrier. For instance, a flight from Abidjan to Douala can cost more than one from Abidjan to Paris. This imbalance restricts access to air travel, confining it to elites and the diaspora. Yet, the potential is immense: each additional million passengers could generate 950 direct jobs, while a 10% increase in air connectivity could boost per capita GDP by 0.5%. These gains align with the objectives of AfCFTA and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aim to democratize air travel across the continent.
Modernizing for Regional Integration
Efforts to modernize the sector are intensifying. In November 2024, ECOWAS transport ministers agreed to cut passenger and security fees by 25% while eliminating taxes that do not comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. These measures are complemented by discussions on developing local fuel production to lower the cost of jet fuel, which accounts for 40% of ticket prices in Africa compared to 25% elsewhere. Such initiatives underscore the ambition to build regional sovereignty in air transport.
Competing for Regional Hubs
The race among major West African cities to become air transport hubs is heating up. Nigeria, leveraging its strategic geographical location, is investing in new infrastructure and attracting international airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. Abidjan is modernizing its Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport, while Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) aims to compete with Africa’s leading airports. Meanwhile, Lomé, with Asky Airlines, envisions becoming a regional hub connecting the entire continent.
Building Local Capacity for the Future
Training pilots and technicians has become a critical priority. Senegal, through its International Academy of Civil Aviation Professions (AIMAC), is adopting Ethiopia’s successful model by creating local facilities to train its workforce. These efforts are part of a broader vision to reduce dependence on foreign institutions and strengthen regional technical capabilities.
AfCFTA: A Catalyst for Air Transport Growth
By integrating air transport development into its agenda, AfCFTA presents unprecedented opportunities for West Africa. By facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people, it has the potential to transform the aviation sector into an engine for economic growth. Challenges persist, but the regional integration championed by AfCFTA could unlock a sustainable future for West Africa’s skies.
The editorial staff