IATA calls on Africa to prioritise aviation for economic growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to prioritise aviation as a key driver of economic growth, connectivity and social development. The sector already contributes around $75 billion to GDP and supports more than 8 million jobs, with projections showing continued expansion over the coming decades.
To unlock this potential, IATA identified three priorities: improving safety standards, reducing high taxes and charges on air travel, and resolving the issue of blocked airline funds, which currently total around $1 billion across multiple countries. Addressing these challenges is seen as critical to strengthening connectivity, supporting tourism growth, and enabling aviation to play a greater role in Africa’s broader economic development.