Seven African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cape Verde, Guinea-Conakry, and Liberia, are stepping up their commitment to improve air travel across the continent.
This was announced during the 18th plenary session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), held from May 19 in Abuja, Nigeria. The three-day meeting focused on speeding up the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to transform flying in Africa.
Why the Single African Air Transport Market matters
Africa’s aviation sector has long struggled with expensive airfares, limited routes, and red tape. SAATM, a flagship African Union project under Agenda 2063, aims to change that by opening African skies to allow airlines to operate freely across member countries without needing restrictive bilateral agreements.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made a bold call to action at the event. He stressed that progress has been slow despite previous political declarations. “Our skies must no longer be defined by closed borders but by open opportunity,” he said, urging African states to back political talk with action.
Keyamo also advocated for the institutionalisation of BAG to better manage long-term aviation goals. He credited BAG’s transition of COSCAP into BAGASOO and the creation of BAGAIA as vital milestones in improving regional aviation oversight.
Banjul Accord Group champions regional integration
The Abuja meeting brought together key stakeholders from the seven BAG member countries. These include Directors-General of Civil Aviation and top aviation regulators who are now aligning their national laws and policies with SAATM’s revised framework.
Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), emphasized the urgency of legal and policy reform. She urged countries to move quickly to embed SAATM’s principles in national regulatory structures. The goal is to improve safety, enhance competition, and reduce costs, making flying more affordable for millions of Africans.
Senator Augustine Akobundu, representing the Nigerian Senate’s Aviation Committee, reinforced legislative support. He confirmed Nigeria’s full commitment to regional aviation integration and said the National Assembly would back necessary policy reforms.
Challenges and the road ahead for African aviation
While enthusiasm is high, several hurdles remain. Not all countries are equally equipped, some have strong aviation infrastructure, while others still lack the basics. Robust regulatory institutions are also needed to oversee safety, ensure fair competition, and maintain standards.
Capt. Chris Najomo, Nigeria’s Director-General of Civil Aviation, noted that past cooperation has yielded strong results, like the fast-track creation of BAGASOO and BAGAIA. But he also flagged the growing need to bridge gaps in infrastructure, personnel training, and digital transformation to meet current demands.
The BAG states discussed providing technical and financial assistance to less-prepared nations and launching skill-building programs to support aviation professionals.
The push to fully implement the Single African Air Transport Market marks a turning point for Africa’s aviation future. As Liberia joins hands with Nigeria, Ghana, and others, the continent moves closer to seamless skies, lower fares, and greater economic integration. With strong political will, updated regulations, and deeper cooperation, Africa is well on its way to unlocking the full potential of its airspace.
