Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 37, 2025.

Introduction.

Aviation experts from 19 countries across five African regional blocs have endorsed a model bilateral air services agreement designed to accelerate the long-delayed liberalization of Africa’s skies under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Backed by the European Union, the template aims to harmonize fragmented rules, dismantle restrictions, and speed up implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD). IATA estimates that liberalizing just 12 key markets could unlock US$1.3 billion in annual GDP and create 155,000 jobs, while officials stress the need for growth to benefit all citizens as passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040. So far, 34 nations representing over 80% of Africa’s aviation market, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, have signed onto SAATM. The push comes amid a rebound in Africa’s aviation sector, with passenger traffic projected to rise 15.3% to 113 million in 2025 and airlines reporting strong revenue growth, though capacity constraints and reliance on bilateral accords continue to limit full connectivity.