At the recent Aviation Africa 2025 event in Kigali, Abderahmane Berthé, Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), spoke on the topic “Understanding the Changes in the New African Landscape” and examined how Africa’s changing economic, political and social environment is reshaping the aviation industry. His address highlighted opportunities arising from demographic shifts, economic diversification and regional integration, and called for coordinated efforts to improve connectivity, reduce costs and invest in sustainability.
Africa’s Changing Context
More than seventy years after independence, Africa has undergone profound transformation. Economies are diversifying beyond oil and minerals into technology, manufacturing, and services. Africa leads in fintech innovation, with platforms like M-Pesa inspiring the world. Tech hubs in Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali, and Cape Town are driving a digital economy that is reshaping how business is done. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and Agenda 2063 are deepening economic integration.
With more than 60% of Africa’s population under 25, the continent’s youth are demanding accountability, driving governance reforms, and shaping a new democratic culture. Africa is the fastest growing and most rapidly urbanising region in the world, with its cities serving as economic, social, and cultural hubs. African music, cinema, fashion, and cuisine are gaining global recognition, reflecting the region’s growing soft power.
Berthé noted that climate change is an unavoidable reality for Africa, with droughts, floods, and desertification affecting millions. Nonetheless, the continent is investing in renewable energy, particularly solar power, and demonstrating that economic growth and sustainability can advance together.
Geopolitically, Africa is no longer solely tied to former colonial powers. Partnerships with China, India, Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states are creating new spheres of influence. With its resources, youthful population, and strategic location, Africa remains central to the future of global trade, energy, and industry.
Liberalisation and Connectivity
These shifts are impacting aviation. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) now has 38 signatories, and while implementation varies, liberalisation remains key to reducing fares, improving connectivity and boosting intra-African trade. Visa openness is also improving, making African borders more accessible. Berthé recognised the efforts of the African Union and African Civil Aviation Commission in advancing this agenda.
Financial and Regulatory Progress
The issue of blocked airline funds is easing, with progress particularly evident in Nigeria, enabling carriers to improve cash flow and plan investments. AFRAA continues to urge governments to remove all barriers to revenue repatriation to ensure that airlines can operate sustainably.
Berthé acknowledged that taxes and charges remain a challenge but highlighted positive developments in the ECOWAS region, where heads of state have directed civil aviation and finance authorities to explore reductions. From January 2026, member states in the region are expected to implement lower taxes and charges, a move Berthé hopes will be replicated across other regions.
Growth and Competitiveness
African aviation continues to demonstrate resilience, with passenger traffic up 15% year-on-year. AFRAA projects 113 million passengers for its members in 2025, with African carriers now holding 52% of international capacity. However, non-African carriers still dominate intercontinental routes, underscoring the need for regional carriers to expand networks, improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness.
New long-haul routes from non-traditional hubs such as Nigeria, Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Angola are reshaping the continent’s connectivity. AFRAA’s Route Network Coordination and Cargo Committee is promoting cooperation through joint ventures, partnerships, and consolidation, reinforcing the message that African airlines are stronger when they work together.
Infrastructure and Sustainability
With traffic expected to double to 300 million passengers by 2040, infrastructure investment is critical. New airports are being developed across Africa, and these projects must integrate cargo facilities, tourism infrastructure, and green technology to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
Decarbonisation remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges. Africa currently lacks large-scale sustainable aviation fuel production, while financing and regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped. However, with its biomass resources and renewable energy potential, Africa is well-positioned to leapfrog into greener aviation if the right policies and investments are implemented.
Berthé welcomed the free-routing trials being conducted with Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia, which are paving the way for free-route airspace in West and Central Africa by the end of the year. He expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved, specifically acknowledging ASECNA, which will be the first region to implement free-route airspace in Africa.
Fleet Modernisation and Financing
Berthé called for financial institutions and partners to expand access to affordable financing to enable African carriers to modernise their fleets with fuel-efficient aircraft. He also urged member airlines to de-risk investment through robust business plans and sound management, ensuring that African carriers are well-positioned for future demand.
