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Liberalisation of air services across 12 countries in Africa would generate 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP, according to a new study.
The reported by economic consultants for Iata outlines the impact of aviation freedoms covering Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda.
Aviation already supports 6.9 million jobs and more than $80 billion in GDP across Africa. Deregulating air services would open up regional air markets to transnational competition.
A policy of liberalisation across 44 African nations in 1999, called the Yamoussoukro Decision, has been slow to be implemented, Iata says.
Iata director general and chief executive Tony Tyler said: “This report demonstrates beyond doubt the tremendous potential for African aviation if the shackles are taken off.
“The additional services generated by liberalisation between just 12 key markets will provide an extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP.
“A potential five million passengers a year are being denied the chance to travel between these markets because of unnecessary restrictions on establishing air routes.
“Furthermore, employment and economic growth are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the benefits of connectivity.”
He added: “Africa represents a huge potential market for aviation. It is therefore unfortunate that African states are opening their aviation markets to third countries but not to each other, which does not promote the spirit of the Yamoussoukro Decision. This isn’t just holding back African aviation, but African economies.
“It is essential that African governments use aviation as a critical driver of social and economic development. The Yamoussoukro process has been ongoing for decades — Africa cannot afford to delay its implementation any longer.
“Greater connectivity leads to greater prosperity. I am an optimist for Africa – but we need governments to act on their commitments, and set aviation free.”