Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 31, 2025.

Introduction.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to prioritize aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and regional connectivity, highlighting its $75 billion contribution to the continent’s GDP and support for over 8.1 million jobs. With the sector projected to grow 4.1% annually and double by 2044, IATA outlined three critical areas for action: improving aviation safety through stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and timely accident reporting; reducing excessive taxes and charges, which are 15% higher than the global average; and urgently addressing the $1 billion in blocked airline revenues across 26 African countries, which hinder connectivity and investment. IATA also emphasized the importance of the CORSIA emissions scheme, with 20 African states participating, and encouraged broader support to prevent fragmented carbon policies and attract climate finance. These recommendations are central to IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, launched in 2023, which aims to enhance safety, affordability, and access across the continent’s aviation landscape.