Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General-Civil Aviation, Nigeria, has urged stakeholders to prioritise strengthening financial frameworks key in African aviation. Speaking at the Maiden International Air Transport Conference, Najomo emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the aviation sector. Themed “Air Transport in Africa: Prospects and Challenges,” the event which held in Abuja, highlighted transforming the sector into a driver of economic growth.
Najomo identified key strategies like enhancing regional connectivity, fostering innovation, and building capacity for the sector’s growth. Collaborative efforts for sustainability are also essential to realizing the industry’s full potential, according to Najomo.
Najomo pointed out that Africa’s aviation sector faces significant financial hurdles that hinder its growth. “The perception of risk remains a significant barrier to investment in African aviation,” he stated. “We must establish regulatory frameworks that enhance transparency and predictability for financiers and lessors to operate confidently,” Najomo said. He further emphasized fostering public-private partnerships to address challenges and unlock investment for infrastructure expansion across the continent.
Improving regional connectivity is, therefore, a priority for driving intra-African trade and tourism, Najomo noted. He emphasized the need for fully implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to achieve this goal. Specifically, he advocated for removing restrictive bilateral agreements that currently hinder progress.
“Initiatives like SAATM must be supported to reduce operational costs and improve access to underserved routes,” he stated. This strategy, he explained, would enable the seamless movement of people and goods, significantly boosting economic integration. Furthermore, it aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Promoting innovation and technology in the aviation sector is critical, Najomo continued, particularly as Africa aims to align with global standards. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt digitalized operations and green energy solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability. “From modernising systems to deploying eco-friendly technologies, innovation must be central to our long-term strategy,” he stated.
In addition, Najomo called for capacity building to equip aviation professionals with the necessary skills to meet the industry’s evolving demands. He emphasized the importance of creating specialised training programs that develop a competitive workforce. “We must invest in human capital to ensure Africa’s aviation sector thrives on the global stage,” he said.
Najomo underscored the urgent need for unified efforts to address systemic challenges across Africa’s aviation sector. Importantly, he described forums like the International Air Transport Conference as critical opportunities for aligning policy objectives and exchanging best practices. “The success of Africa’s aviation sector hinges on our ability to work together to build a sustainable and integrated air transport system,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Najomo concluded his address by urging stakeholders to act decisively to transform the sector. “The future of African aviation depends on overcoming challenges, fostering unity, and embracing innovation,” he declared. “Together, we can create an aviation industry that connects, empowers, and uplifts every citizen of Africa.”
With Africa’s air travel demand projected to grow exponentially, experts agree that the strategies outlined by Najomo could catalyze significant progress. However, Najomo pointed out that Africa’s aviation sector faces substantial financial hurdles that hinder its growth. Strengthening financial frameworks key to addressing infrastructure gaps, therefore, remains a vital driver of the continent’s development.
