This study is a useful input to understand the status of air transport liberalization in Africa as it provides an overview of air transport connectivity on the continent at intercontinental, continental and regional level. Different connectivity scenarios are reviewed to draw perspectives for the future and to give recommendations on the support actions and reforms that are required by governments, regions and private sector stakeholders. In a nutshell, this report is an insightful contribution to further progress in the strengthening of African air transport. 

On the continent, the air transport market represents 2-3% of the global market in terms of passengers and Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs), while it accounts for 17% of the world’s population and 7.2% of the global middle class. Despite the efforts carried out by governments, public institutions and private companies during the last decade, scheduled air capacity has not been particularly stimulated and most of the traffic flows are concentrated in a reduced number of countries and airports.

The AfDB has identified market access and liberalization, taxes, fees and charges as key challenges to be addressed. The present report is focused on the market access and liberalization of air transport in Africa and is carried out within the context of the African Union’s flagship project Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

This Study is part of the Bank’s strategy to complement its framework and guidelines document to support the aviation sector in Africa. The Bank has been playing an important role in the air transport sector in Africa by supporting and collaborating with Governments, Regional and continental Organizations, the industry and multilateral institutions.

Report by the African Development Bank