AFCAC targets 30% increase in 5th Freedom connectivity in Africa by 2025

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) says it is working to ensure a 30 percent increase in 5th Freedom connectivity in Africa by 2025.

The initiative forms part of efforts for the full implementation of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), which is a flagship project of Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 and a strategy to enhance the economic and social integration of the continent, grow the economy of African States, and improve the welfare of Africans.

Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, the Secretary General of

AFCAC, noted that: “I encourage governments and all stakeholders at this year’s YD Week anniversary in Abuja to contribute to the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and its socio-economic benefits to States, African airlines, investors and air travelers.” “As the Executing Agency of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and SAATM, which is the flagship project of Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, AFCAC is focused on achieving 30% increased 5th Freedom connectivity in Africa by 2025. I am thrilled that more States are embracing the SAATM for its huge benefits. Africa must remain committed and fast-track its efforts to achieve the noble objectives of the SAATM.”

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African air transport industry last week marked the 24th Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) Day Anniversary as part of the Yamoussoukro Week held in Abuja, Nigeria from November 13 to 16, 2023. The event was held under the theme: “Africa Wants to Fly”. The highlevel Ministerial meeting called on African States to urgently implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to unlock the many benefits a fully liberalized African airspace presents.

This year’s anniversary was hosted by His Excellency Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with His Excellency Affoh AtchaDedji, Minister of Air Transport, Rail and Road of the Republic of Togo, the Champion State of the (SAATM), as the Guest of Honour.

Among other main highlights, the highlevel event unfolded new successes in the continentwide efforts to open up Africa’s air transport market for the benefit of African airlines and economies under the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) launched during the 23RD YD-Day in Dakar, Senegal in November 2022 by 14 African Ministers of Aviation and Transport. So far, 37 Member States which account for more than 88% of intra-African traffic and more than 800 million people in Africa have subscribed to the Solemn Commitment to unconditionally implement the YD and SAATM. Also, 23 States have signed the Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for its operationalization and implementation.