The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to prioritise aviation as a strategic driver of economic and social development, warning that high costs, regulatory barriers, and safety gaps continue to limit the industry’s potential across the continent.

Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference, Kamil Alawadhi said: “Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa. Its value lies in the long-term benefits it delivers. A strategy focused on safety, cost-competitiveness, energy security, sustainability, and ease of doing business will create jobs, enable trade, support tourism, and strengthen regional integration.”

Africa’s aviation safety record has improved, with accident rates dropping from 12.13 to 7.86 per million sectors between 2024 and 2025. However, this remains significantly higher than the global average of 1.32. IATA urged governments to accelerate the implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, publish accident reports more consistently, and expand the use of global safety audits such as IOSA and ISAGO.

The cost of aviation in Africa is about 15% higher than the global average, driven largely by government taxes and charges. Tanzania’s USD 45 API-PNR fee, the highest worldwide, was singled out as a major distortion to ticket pricing. IATA also called for the full implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision to cut aviation taxes by 25% by December 2025, and rejected proposals for source-based airline taxation, warning of the risk of double taxation.

African countries account for the largest share of blocked airline revenues globally, with USD 774 million trapped as of March 2026. Algeria alone accounts for USD 258 million. IATA criticised governments for failing to honour repatriation agreements, warning that air connectivity could suffer as a result.

The association also urged countries to ease visa requirements, noting that nearly half of intra-African travel still requires visas, an issue that continues to suppress tourism and regional mobility.

Africa could play a leading role in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, according to IATA. Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to supply up to 106 million tonnes of feedstock by 2050, largely from agricultural and forestry waste.

The continent could also generate 57.6 million Eligible Emission Units (EEUs) under the global CORSIA scheme, providing a new source of climate finance.