Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on African countries to deepen cooperation in aviation and accelerate implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to boost connectivity, trade and economic growth.
Mudavadi said Africa could not fully exploit its economic potential while air travel between neighbouring countries remained expensive, time-consuming and, in some cases, dependent on transit hubs outside the continent.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Mudavadi described aviation as a strategic pillar of Africa’s economic transformation 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,” he said.
He said improved air connectivity would help connect people, markets and economic opportunities across the continent.
Mudavadi urged African states to remove unnecessary barriers to air travel while maintaining high standards of safety, security and consumer protection.
He said full implementation of SAATM, an African Union flagship initiative under Agenda 2063, would allow airlines to expand their networks, promote competition, reduce travel costs and attract investment into the aviation sector.
“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 also linked stronger air connectivity to the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying efficient movement of people and goods would be critical to deeper economic integration.
He noted that many journeys between African countries still require passengers to transit through destinations outside the continent, increasing travel costs and limiting trade.
Kenya’s aviation investment
Mudavadi said Kenya had placed aviation at the centre of its economic transformation strategy and was investing in airport infrastructure, air navigation systems, communication technologies, safety equipment and passenger facilitation services.
He identified the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a flagship project aimed at increasing the country’s capacity to handle rising passenger and cargo demand.
Kenya is also strengthening regional aerodromes, which Mudavadi said would help unlock economic opportunities through domestic tourism, agricultural exports, medical evacuation services and local enterprise development.
He cited the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airports Police Unit and Aircraft Accident Investigation Department as key institutions responsible for maintaining safety, security and regulatory standards.
Mudavadi further called for investment in modern air traffic management systems and digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.
Technology and climate change
The Cabinet Secretary said Africa’s aviation sector must embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, biometrics, cybersecurity, automation and digital air traffic management.
“These present enormous opportunities to improve safety, operational efficiency, passenger experience and regulatory effectiveness,” he said.
He cautioned, however, that greater reliance on technology must be accompanied by stronger protection against cyber threats.
Climate change, he added, must also shape the future of aviation, calling for increased investment in sustainable aviation fuels, energy-efficient airport infrastructure, carbon-reduction initiatives and climate-resilient aviation systems.
Mudavadi also urged African countries to invest in aviation education, technical training, research and innovation to develop the workforce needed to support the industry’s growth.
He said the expansion of e-commerce presented new opportunities for the air-cargo sector, particularly in transporting fresh agricultural produce, pharmaceuticals, manufactured goods and other high-value exports.
According to Mudavadi, expanding and modernising Africa’s aviation infrastructure would require innovative financing and stronger partnerships among governments, development finance institutions, private investors, airlines, manufacturers and international partners.
“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.
He assured delegates that Kenya would continue working with African countries, regional organisations, industry stakeholders and development partners to advance the continent’s aviation agenda.
“Together, we can build a safe, secure, sustainable, competitive, innovative and inclusive aviation industry that will pilot Africa to greater prosperity,” Mudavadi said.
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