Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called on African countries to deepen cooperation in aviation and accelerate implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to boost connectivity, trade and economic growth.
Mudavadi said Africa’s economic potential could not be fully realised while air travel between neighbouring countries remained costly, slow and dependent on transit points outside the continent.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Mudavadi said aviation was critical to Africa’s economic transformation and regional integration.
“Aviation is not just a means of transportation. It is an enabler of trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange,” he said.
“It connects people, markets and opportunities. For Africa, a continent of immense geographical diversity and enormous economic potential, aviation is a strategic necessity.”
The summit brought together policymakers, regulators, aviation industry leaders, investors, innovators, development partners and other professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities in Africa’s aviation sector.
Mudavadi said Kenya had placed aviation at the centre of its economic transformation strategy and was committed to maintaining a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable aviation sector.
“Our steadfast commitment to building a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable aviation sector is demonstrated through a strong institutional framework that provides effective governance and oversight of the aviation industry,” he said.
He cited the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airports Police Unit and Aircraft Accident Investigation Department as key institutions supporting aviation safety, security and regulatory oversight.
Mudavadi said Kenya was also investing in airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, communication technologies, safety equipment and passenger facilitation services.
He identified the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a flagship project aimed at increasing the country’s capacity to handle rising passenger and cargo demand.
He added that the government was strengthening regional aerodromes to unlock opportunities in domestic tourism, agricultural exports, medical evacuation services and local enterprise development.
However, Mudavadi said inadequate intra African connectivity remained a major challenge.
“Many journeys between neighboring African countries still require transit through destinations outside our continent,” he said. “This increases travel time, raises costs, limits trade and constrains economic integration.”
He urged African states to accelerate implementation of SAATM, a flagship initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Mudavadi said the initiative had the potential to allow airlines to expand their networks, lower travel costs, promote competition and attract investment.
He also linked improved air connectivity to the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying easier movement of people and goods would strengthen continental economic integration. “I urge all African States to deepen collaboration in implementing SAATM through harmonized regulations, mutual recognition of standards, strengthened safety oversight, open skies, and coordinated investment in aviation infrastructure,” he said.
Mudavadi also called for the removal of unnecessary barriers restricting connectivity while maintaining high standards of safety, security and consumer protection.
On climate change, he said Kenya supported sustainable aviation and encouraged investment in sustainable aviation fuels, energy efficient airports, carbon reduction measures and climate resilient aviation systems.
He further urged the aviation industry to embrace technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, digital air traffic management, biometrics, cybersecurity and automation.
“These present enormous opportunities to improve safety, operational efficiency, passenger experience and regulatory effectiveness,” Mudavadi said.
He cautioned that increased reliance on technology must be accompanied by stronger measures to protect aviation systems from cyber threats.
Mudavadi also called for greater investment in aviation education, technical training, research and innovation to prepare Africa’s young population for opportunities in the sector.
He said the growth of e commerce presented opportunities for expanding air cargo and strengthening Africa’s participation in global value chains. Efficient cargo systems, he said, could facilitate faster movement of fresh agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, manufactured goods and other high value exports.
Mudavadi said governments could not finance the expansion and modernisation of aviation infrastructure alone and called for partnerships with development finance institutions, private investors, airlines, manufacturers and international partners.
“The future of African aviation cannot be built by governments alone. It requires partnerships, trust, innovation and a shared commitment to one connected African sky,” he said.
He assured delegates that Kenya would continue working with African countries, regional organisations and industry stakeholders to advance the continent’s aviation agenda.
“Together, we can build a safe, secure, sustainable, competitive, innovative and inclusive aviation industry that will pilot Africa to greater prosperity,” Mudavadi said.