T International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have joined forces to launch “Focus Africa,” a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing the power of aviation to drive development throughout the African continent. With an ambitious agenda spanning safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance, sustainability, and skills development, this partnership marks a pivotal moment in the effort to maximize the aviation sector’s contribution to Africa’s growth.
Kamil Al Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative’s potential, highlighting the current disparity between Africa’s rapid population growth and its mere 2% share of global air transport. Al Awadhi emphasized that although the journey ahead may be lengthy, the commitment of strong partnerships under Focus Africa is poised to drive transformative change.
In tandem with this alliance, AFRAA Secretary General Abderahmane Berthé underlined the shared vision between AFRAA and IATA – to cultivate a secure, sustainable aviation industry in Africa that bolsters trade, business, tourism, and economic prosperity. Berthé reiterated AFRAA’s dedication to collaborative efforts in addressing challenges and vulnerabilities within Africa’s air transport sector, underscoring the potential for extensive societal and economic benefits.
The collaboration between IATA and AFRAA also extends to a renewed joint work program, focusing on key areas of cooperation:
Enhancing Regional Air Connectivity:
Working hand-in-hand with governments, the initiative seeks to facilitate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a commitment currently backed by 23 countries. The program strives to secure ratification from these nations while extending an invitation to more to join SAATM, thus enhancing regional air connectivity.
Unlocking Blocked Airline Funds:
IATA and AFRAA are dedicated to advising governments on effective methods to resolve the backlog of blocked airline funds due to governmental restrictions. Collaborative efforts have already yielded results, with substantial funds released from Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe since 2018. However, $1.5 billion in airline funds remain blocked across the continent.
Data-Driven Safety Enhancement
A data-centric approach is being adopted to minimize safety incidents and accidents. Through intensified data sharing, precise communication of aeronautical information, prompt incident reporting, and promotion of safety audit programs, the initiative aims to enhance operational safety. All IATA members are registered on the IOSA registry, while AFRAA members are on the IOSA or ISSA registry, propelling efforts to encourage governments to incorporate IOSA into their safety oversight programs.
Balancing Taxes and Charges
Infrastructure charges in Africa surpass industry norms by 8%, burdening airlines and passengers. In collaboration with governments, the program seeks to rationalize charges, ensuring they align with fair value propositions. Noteworthy success stories include charge reductions in Chad, the Ivory Coast, and Zambia over the past five years.
Compliance with CORSIA
Demonstrating its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the industry’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) enjoys participation from twenty-five African countries in its initial carbon emissions data capturing and reporting phase.
The “Focus Africa” initiative marks a significant leap toward realizing the immense potential of aviation in Africa’s development journey. With its comprehensive agenda and the unwavering commitment of both IATA and AFRAA, this alliance is set to propel the continent’s aviation sector into a new era of growth, sustainability, and socio-economic progress.
