The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and industry investors have gathered for the 14th Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital, to explore opportunities and limitless possibilities under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
With the theme, “Africa Wants to Fly,” the high-level ministerial meeting called on African countries to urgently implement the SAATM as a strategy to
enhance economic and social integration of the continent and grow the economy of African states.
SAATM is a product of the Yamoussoukro Decision, a treaty adopted by most members of the African Union (AU), which establishes a framework for the liberalization of air transport services between African countries, as well as fair competition between airlines. The decision was signed by 44 African states in 1999 and became binding in 2002.
This year’s anniversary is hosted by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) with his Togolese counterpart, Affoh Atcha-Dedji, Minister of Air Transport, Rail and Road of the Republic of Togo, the champion state of SAATM as the Guest of Honour.
Among other main highlights, the high-level event unfolded new successes in the continent-wide efforts to open up Africa’s air transport market for the benefit of African airlines and economies under the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) launched during the 23RD YD-Day in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2022 by 14 African ministers of aviation and transport.
Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, the Secretary General of AFCAC, stated: “I encourage governments and
all stakeholders at this year’s YD Week anniversary in Abuja to contribute to the implementation
of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and its socio-economic benefits to states,
African airlines, investors and air travellers.
“As the Executing Agency of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and SAATM, which is the flagship project of Africa Union’s Agenda 2063, AFCAC is focused on achieving 30% increased fifth freedom connectivity in Africa by 2025. I am thrilled that more states are embracing the SAATM for its huge
benefits. Africa must remain committed and fast track its efforts to achieve the noble objectives of
the SAATM.”
Secretary General remarked further: “Achieving integration in Africa cannot be over-stated as
Africa’s unity, envisioned decades ago, is the bedrock of our continent’s economic transformation. The YD-Week in Abuja offers us the unique opportunity to fast-track the use of air transport to
bring Africa’s regions, cultures and economies ever closer and more consolidated.”
The YD Week brought together AU Member States, African and global aviation institutions and
partners, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), airlines, airports, air navigation services
providers (ANSPs), technical and financial partners, industry associations and other aviation stakeholders to network and discuss the most effective way to fast-track SAATM implementation.
The YD Day was attended by ministers of over 12 African countries or their representatives and directors-general of civil aviation authorities across Africa and over 200 delegates
