The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has issued a clarion call for the urgent improvement of intra-African air travel connectivity, emphasizing its critical role in unlocking the continent’s trade potential.
According to him, integration is not only about trade rules; it is also about connectivity. “Too many delegates here today had to transit through Europe to reach Algiers. That must change” he stressed He mentioned that leaders of the continent must accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market he believes will lower costs, expand passenger and cargo services, and bring the economies and the African people closer together.
At the same time, investment in trade corridors, logistics hubs, and digital infrastructure must remain a top priority, so that the agreed rules translate into real opportunities on the ground.
Speaking at the grand opening of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, Mr Mene underscored that fragmented aviation networks remain a major bottleneck to seamless movement of goods, services, and people across Africa.
Addressing a packed audience of heads of state, business leaders, and trade stakeholders, he stressed that “Africa cannot fully realize the promise of the AfCFTA if our skies remain divided.”
He highlighted that despite the continent’s vast geography and growing economic integration, air travel between African countries remains expensive, inefficient, and poorly connected. “We must dismantle the barriers that keep African nations isolated from each other with,” he urged.
The call comes amid growing momentum for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship initiative of the African Union aimed at liberalizing air transport across the continent.
The Executive Secretary of AfCFTA has further advocated for accelerated implementation of SAATM and stronger collaboration among African airlines, regulators, and governments to create a unified aviation ecosystem.
He noted that improved air connectivity would not only facilitate trade but also boost tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
IATF 2025, hosted in Algeria commenced yesterday September 4 and will end in September 10, which has drawn over 35,000 delegates and 2,000 exhibitors from across 140 countries, making it Africa’s premier trade and investment marketplace.
The event’s theme, “Gateway to New Opportunities,” aligns with AfCFTA’s Boss message, as stakeholders explore innovative solutions to enhance regional integration. Panels on logistics, digital infrastructure, and transport corridors are expected to further the conversation on air mobility.
As the week-long fair unfolds, Mr Mene’s remarks have set the tone for bold action and policy alignment. His call for improved air connectivity should be echoed by industry leaders and policymakers, many of whom see aviation reform as a linchpin in Africa’s journey toward economic transformation.
With the AfCFTA framework gaining traction, the skies above Africa may soon become a symbol of unity, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
