By Jeremiah Gora
The Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, will host the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow from 9 to 10 July, as part of efforts to accelerate the liberalisation of air transport and improve connectivity across Africa.
The two-day event will bring together ministers, aviation regulators, airlines, airport authorities, regional organisations, development partners, tourism stakeholders, customs and immigration authorities, private sector representatives, academia and the media to strengthen the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The Airshow comes as Africa intensifies efforts to create a single, liberalised aviation market aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and supporting economic integration across the continent.
According to the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), studies show that full implementation of SAATM could increase intra-African passenger traffic by 51 percent within two to three years, while average airfares could fall by 26 percent, generating annual fare savings of approximately US$1.46 billion.
The study further projects that improved air connectivity could contribute up to US$4.6 billion to Africa’s economy and create nearly 60,000 additional jobs, while facilitating the movement of people and goods, attracting investment and strengthening regional trade.
Zimbabwe is seeking to join the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project after signing the Solemn Commitment to implement SAATM, positioning itself as a strong candidate for accelerated implementation of the continental aviation initiative.
Discussions during the Airshow will focus on aligning Air Service Agreements with AFCAC’s Yamoussoukro Decision-compliant framework to expand Fifth Freedom traffic rights, harmonising aviation regulations and addressing barriers that continue to limit air transport liberalisation.
Stakeholders will also deliberate on reducing high operational costs, harmonising regulatory approval processes, improving visa openness, easing passenger and cargo facilitation, and removing other non-physical barriers affecting air transport across Africa.
Engagements with airlines and airports are expected to promote commercial partnerships, code-sharing arrangements, technical cooperation, cargo route development and tourism growth.
The Airshow will also examine measures to strengthen aviation safety, security, environmental protection and digitalisation while promoting the use of performance monitoring tools to assess progress in implementing SAATM commitments.
Participants will include ministers responsible for transport, defence, trade, finance, tourism, foreign affairs and home affairs, senior government officials, civil aviation authorities, airport operators, air navigation service providers, airlines, customs and immigration agencies, tourism boards, regional organisations such as COMESA and SADC, as well as international partners including the African Union Commission, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), UN Tourism and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
The Airshow forms part of AFCAC’s broader campaign to accelerate implementation of SAATM under the theme: “Acceleration of Air Transport Liberalisation in Africa to Improve Continental Connectivity and Integration.”
The initiative aims to increase Fifth Freedom traffic operations across participating countries from 23 percent in 2025 to 30 percent by 2027, paving the way for a more integrated and competitive African aviation market.
