At the Walk for Love Africa Summit 2024, Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, Air Transport Specialist and managing director of Avialog Company Limited, emphasized the pivotal role of liberalization in fostering inclusive growth across Africa.
Highlighting the theme, “Liberalization of the African Skies: The Way Forward,” Dr. Aisuebeogun underscored the importance of concerted efforts in removing barriers and promoting competition within the continent’s aviation sector.
With Africa’s population surpassing 1.46 billion across 54 diverse nations, Dr. Aisuebeogun emphasized the significant potential for intra-continental air travel growth.
However, he lamented the hindrances posed by sluggish liberalization efforts and Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs), which impede intra-African connectivity.
Dr. Aisuebeogun identified high operating costs, restrictive visa policies, and disparities in liberalization measures as significant challenges to African air travel.
Addressing these obstacles, he stressed the imperative of fostering sustainable growth and ensuring widespread accessibility to air travel across the continent.
Moreover, Dr. Aisuebeogun emphasized the crucial role of enhanced air connectivity in driving economic activities, trade, tourism, and investment within Africa and beyond.
Regarding the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) implementation, Dr. Aisuebeogun acknowledged progress but highlighted wavering compliance among African states, hindering the realization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and its associated benefits.
