With the overall objective to boost intra-Africa traffic and connectivity to accelerate the implementation of SAATM, AFRAA joined key industry stakeholders at the 7th meeting of the Joint Prioritized Action Plan (JPAP) for operationalization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The meeting, which was organized by AFCAC, took place in Nairobi – Kenya on 09 February 2024. AFRAA shared highlight actions on SAATM progress and the 2024 plan of activities at the meeting on:
- Capacity building
- Safety
- Free Routing Airspace
- Advocacy and lobbying
- Roadmap action of the laboratory on Sustainability of air transport industry
Overall, SAATM represents a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the aviation landscape in Africa, fostering greater regional integration, and unlocking the economic potential associated with improved air connectivity.
After 5 years of official launching SAATM, there is still very little commitment by some of the 37 signatory States to for the full liberalization of aviation market on the continent including several other barriers that prevent the successful implementation of SAATM on the continent, such as lack of prioritization of aviation by Governments, policy of protectionism, high fees and taxes, failure to facilitate/opening visas between countries, amongst several others.
The purpose of the JPAP is for Africa’s aviation industry stakeholders to identify and align the activities to support SAATM, namely:
- Ensuring members of the SAATM fully implement the immediate measures to effectively operationalize the Single African Air Transport Market as early as possible;
- Elaborating and executing an effective advocacy and communication strategy for more states to join the SAATM;
- Resource mobilization and strengthening of the capacity of the African Civil Aviation Commission to effectively perform its functions as the Executing Agency of the Yamoussoukro Decision;
- Seeking technical assistance for Member States to improve the level of aviation safety and security to meet the minimum requirements of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and attain the global average of effective implementation level; and
- Ensuring African airlines enhance their cooperation in the operation of the Single African Air Transport Market.
Since the creation of JPAP in 2018, annual meetings are held to coordinate actions and align on tangible results that have been achieved. The 7th JPAP meeting achieved the following objectives:
- Obtained the progress report of implementation of the 2023 SAATM Prioritised Joint Action Plan;
- Reinforced commitment of stakeholders in supporting the development and sustainability of African Civil Aviation industry;
- Updated 2024 SAATM Prioritised Joint Action Plan that is aligned with the Recommendations of the SAATM-PIP Airshows and the 2024 Workplan; and
- Updated the adopted mechanism for monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the Joint Prioritised Action Plan;
Stakeholders present at the meeting included:
- Representative of the SAATM Champion
- Representative of the Chairperson of the SAATM Ministerial Working Group
- African Union Commission (AUC)
- African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)
- Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
- African Airlines Association (AFRAA)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- ICAO – HQ, WACAF, ESAF and MID Regional Offices and EURNAT;
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)
- European Union/EASA;
- Aircraft Manufacturers (Boeing)
- Air Navigation Services Providers
Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) and Regional Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Organizations (RAIOs)