Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned that Africa cannot fully realise its economic potential as air travel between neighbouring countries remains costly, slow and often dependent on transit points outside the continent.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Mudavadi said improved air connectivity was critical to strengthening trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.
“Aviation is not just a means of transportation. It is an enabler of trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that many journeys between African countries still require passengers to transit through destinations outside the continent, increasing travel time and costs while limiting trade and economic integration.
Mudavadi urged African states to deepen collaboration through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative aimed at creating a more integrated and liberalised air transport market across the continent.
He said full implementation of SAATM would allow airlines to expand their networks, promote competition, lower air travel costs and attract more investment into the aviation sector.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also linked improved air connectivity to the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying the easier movement of people and goods would be essential to achieving deeper economic integration.
“I urge all African States to deepen collaboration in implementing SAATM through harmonized regulations, mutual recognition of standards, strengthened safety oversight, open skies, and coordinated investment in aviation infrastructure,” he said.
Mudavadi said Kenya was committed to developing a safe, secure, efficient and sustainable aviation sector through investments in airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, communication technologies and passenger services.
He cited the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a flagship project aimed at increasing Kenya’s capacity to handle growing passenger and cargo demand.
He added that strengthening regional airports and aerodromes would help unlock economic opportunities through domestic tourism, agricultural exports, medical evacuation services and local enterprise development.
Mudavadi further called for increased adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital air traffic management, biometrics and automation, while urging stronger measures to address cybersecurity threats.
He also emphasised the need to invest in aviation education, technical training, research and innovation to equip Africa’s growing young population with the skills required in the aviation industry.
Mudavadi said the future of African aviation would require stronger partnerships between governments, airlines, investors, development institutions and other industry stakeholders.
“The future of African aviation cannot be built by governments alone. It requires partnerships, trust, innovation and a shared commitment to one connected African sky,” he said.
