Private Observer

 AFCAC, COMESA Urge Elimination of High Aviation Fees to Boost African Air Connectivity

LUSAKA, August 19, 2025 — The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have jointly called for the elimination of high aviation charges, unjustified fees, and restrictive visa regimes to unlock the full benefits of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), particularly for countries like Zambia.

Speaking at the opening of the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project (PIP) Airshow held at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel on Tuesday, AFCAC Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi emphasized that improved air connectivity is key to achieving Africa’s development goals in trade, tourism, and regional integration.

“Full liberalization under SAATM could increase intra-African air traffic by over 50 percent, reduce fares by up to 26 percent, and create nearly 60,000 new jobs,” said Adeyemi, citing findings from a 2021 AFCAC study. She urged African states to strengthen regulatory frameworks, implement SAATM regulations, promote fifth freedom traffic rights, and support cross-border airline partnerships.

COMESA Deputy Secretary General Dr. Dev Haman echoed the call, saying full implementation of SAATM would drastically improve connectivity across the continent within seven years, providing a much-needed boost to intra-African trade and tourism.

Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, said the country is taking significant steps toward becoming a continental transport and logistics hub. “The SAATM Pilot Implementation Project will play a critical role in realizing our national vision,” Tayali stated.

He revealed that Zambia has granted fifth freedom air rights to Air Congo, opening up new routes between Lusaka, Ndola, and Kinshasa. The country is also modernizing its bilateral air service agreements, with upcoming connections expected between Mbabane and Lusaka.

“Zambia’s central location gives it a strategic advantage to improve interconnectivity and unlock significant economic benefits,” said Tayali.

In November 2020, Zambia joined other African nations— including Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, DRC, and Zimbabwe—by signing and ratifying the SAATM Act, committing to an open and competitive African airspace.

Zambia Civil Aviation Authority Board Chairman, Dr. Patrick Nkhoma, noted that the SAATM pilot is already yielding positive results, with several African carriers launching or expanding operations in Zambia. “This has improved passenger choice and helped reduce airfares on selected routes,” he said.

Dr. Nkhoma added that enhanced air connectivity is directly benefiting tourism and making it easier for Zambian businesses to tap into new markets across Africa.

By Samuel Mbewe