Strengthening Intra-African Connectivity for Economic Growth and Prosperity

Strategic Insights -

African countries have been encouraged to prioritize collaboration to enhance intra-African connectivity, which is believed to unlock economic potential, improve living standards, and foster a more integrated and prosperous continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other initiatives, such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and infrastructure development projects, are seen as crucial in achieving this goal. Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Obafemi Bajomo, emphasized the need for African leaders to deepen efforts in these areas, commending the efforts of the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

Key Takeaways:

  • African countries have the potential to unlock economic growth and improve living standards through intra-African connectivity, as emphasized by Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Obafemi Bajomo.
  • The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) are key initiatives aimed at enhancing intra-African connectivity and promoting economic growth.
  • The Embraer report 'Connecting Africa: Unlocking Africa's Intra-Regional Connectivity Potential' provides a compelling data-backed argument for rethinking Africa's fragmented aviation landscape.
  • The report highlights the potential of intra-African connectivity, citing statistics and strategic analysis that make the case for deploying right-sized aircraft and creating new regional air corridors to bridge distances between African economies.
  • The report quotes Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, as saying that the potential of intra-African connectivity is vast, and it is within the collective power of African countries to unlock new markets, build new regional hubs, and create a more integrated continent.
  • Africa contributed a paltry 2.1 per cent of global air passenger and cargo traffic, despite being home to 18 per cent of the world's population, highlighting a massive untapped opportunity in the region.
  • The Embraer study demonstrated how new services could stimulate demand up to 80 per cent, underscoring the importance of small and medium-sized aircraft in catalysing growth in underutilised routes.
  • Minister Keyamo has tirelessly advocated for the liberalisation of African airspace, the development of regional hubs, and the fast-tracking of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs).

Statistics:

  • 45 intra-African routes currently unserved by direct flights, many of which could support multiple weekly frequencies using 100-seat aircraft like the E-Jet E2.
  • Africa contributes only 2.1 per cent of global air passenger and cargo traffic, despite being home to 18 per cent of the world's population.
  • The Embraer study demonstrated that new services could stimulate demand up to 80 per cent.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (2025)
  • Embraer (2025) - 'Connecting Africa: Unlocking Africa's Intra-Regional Connectivity Potential' report
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) - quoted in the Embraer report
  • Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer
  • Banjul Accord Group (BAG)