The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) has urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation to sustain the growth of Africa’s aviation sector, highlighting recent improvements in connectivity and economic contribution. Speaking at the Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos, Secretary-General Funke Adeyemi outlined the industry’s expanding footprint across the continent.
Over the past three years, 124 new air routes have been established across Africa, transporting 113 million passengers. According to Adeyemi, this expansion has contributed approximately 75 billion to the continent’s gross domestic product and supported more than 8.1 million jobs within aviation and related industries. She characterized these gains as meaningful but emphasized that the sector remains underdeveloped relative to the continent’s population and economic potential. “Our appeal to you all is to work with us and continue this journey,” Adeyemi said, noting that African aviation growth often accelerates steadily after an initial foundational phase.
Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, AFCAC operates as a specialized African Union agency tasked with harmonizing civil aviation policies, promoting regulatory cooperation, and facilitating investment in regional air transport. The Lagos summit focused on addressing infrastructure gaps and encouraging strategic capital allocation for fleet modernization and airport upgrades.
During the proceedings, Adeyemi acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts to host the event and recognized Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo for recent operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency and safety standards. The gathering attracted international and regional officials, including World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, and Senate Committee on Aviation Chairman Abdulfatai Buhari. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Abia State Governor Alex Otti participated through appointed state commissioners.
Industry participants indicated that aligning national aviation strategies with regional investment frameworks will be critical to expanding air connectivity across Africa. Coordinated policy reforms and sustained funding for aircraft acquisition and infrastructure maintenance are expected to determine the sector’s long-term contribution to trade and economic development.
