Infrastructure Gaps Constrain Africa’s Aviation Potential

As Africa’s aviation industry rebounds from the pandemic, its growth potential remains hampered by significant infrastructure challenges. According to Ali Tounsi, secretary general of ACI Africa, addressing these gaps is essential for unlocking the continent’s full potential in air travel and connectivity.

Speaking during an African Airlines Association webinar, Tounsi emphasized the importance of government engagement, regional cooperation, and strategic investments in airport infrastructure. “It is up to the government to create attraction to the destination, build tourism infrastructure, and encourage investment. With that, you can create traffic,” he said.

African air traffic has shown encouraging signs of recovery, with passenger numbers reaching 240 million in 2024, reflecting an 11% year-on-year growth. This resurgence has been fueled by the rebound of tourism in markets like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa, alongside the expansion of carriers such as FlySafair and Airlink. Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has played a pivotal role in facilitating trade, further driving demand for air travel.

However, one crucial barrier remains the lack of a robust regulatory framework to encourage private investment across regions.

Despite this progress, the recovery remains uneven. Central Africa, in particular, faces substantial hurdles due to limited infrastructure and high operating costs. In some regions, political instability continues to dampen progress, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to stabilize and invest in aviation.

A critical issue highlighted by Tounsi is the financial viability of many African airports. Due to low traffic volumes, smaller airports often struggle to cover operating costs, making them unattractive to private investors. This underinvestment creates a vicious cycle, further limiting their potential to grow and serve their communities effectively.

For the sector to thrive, Tounsi advocates for public-private partnerships (PPPs), which can provide not only funding but also expertise and operational efficiencies. These partnerships are particularly crucial for smaller airports that need innovative approaches to attract investment and improve their financial sustainability.

Despite the challenges, Africa’s aviation industry holds immense potential. Regional hubs in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco are driving connectivity across the continent and beyond, while low-cost carriers (LCCs) represent a largely untapped opportunity to boost domestic and regional travel.

LCCs have transformed aviation in other parts of the world by making air travel more affordable and accessible. In Africa, their growth could play a pivotal role in addressing the infrastructure and connectivity gaps that currently hinder progress.

As African nations strive to strengthen their aviation sectors, the path forward requires a collaborative approach involving governments, private investors, and regional organizations. Investments in airport infrastructure, tourism development, and innovative funding mechanisms like PPPs are critical to overcoming existing barriers.

Africa’s aviation industry is at a crossroads, with significant opportunities to accelerate growth and foster greater connectivity. By addressing infrastructure gaps and fostering cooperation, the continent can unlock its potential to become a key player in global aviation.

The time to act is now—building the foundations today for a stronger, more connected Africa tomorrow.

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