Why the liberalization of African skies is key to the AfCFTA

As Africa celebrates Africa Day, the challenge of taking advantage of an open sky-line policy is crucial for the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. This key policy decision, which has been on the table since 1988, is aimed at liberalizing air services across the African continent. However, the progress towards achieving a Single African Air Transport Market has been slow, with the initiative still facing hurdles in its implementation. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Derek Enseco, the Founder and Publisher at Airspace Africa, highlighted the importance of open skies in driving the aviation industry forward in Africa. Enseco emphasized how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for a more open and efficient air transport market in Africa. The pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of many state-owned airlines on the continent, while privately-run airlines have shown more resilience. Enseco stressed the significance of adapting to industry demands and reshaping the aviation sector in Africa post-pandemic. He pointed out that cargo operations have played a critical role during the pandemic, showcasing the importance of diversifying airline services. Additionally, Enseco emphasized the importance of policies like the Single African Air Transport Market in enabling the success of the AfCFTA. The AfCFTA, a flagship project of the African Union, aims to boost trade across the continent. However, without a liberalized air transport market, efficient trade remains a challenge due to poor road infrastructure across Africa. Enseco highlighted the crucial role that air transport plays in facilitating trade and emphasized the need for policies that enhance the efficiency of air services in Africa. While acknowledging the slow progress in operationalizing initiatives like the AfCFTA and the Single African Air Transport Market, Enseco remains optimistic about the potential for these projects to drive positive change in the aviation industry. He sees the operationalization of the AfCFTA as a source of inspiration for the aviation sector, encouraging stakeholders to work towards common policy goals. Enseco acknowledged the challenges posed by the diversity of African countries and the need for coordinated efforts to implement key policies effectively. Regarding the issue of vaccine passports and their impact on air travel, Enseco recognized the role of vaccination in restoring confidence in travel. While acknowledging the concerns around vaccine inequality, with less than 1% of the African population vaccinated, he emphasized the importance of vaccination as a step towards rebuilding the air transport sector. Enseco's insights shed light on the significance of policy decisions like open skies and the Single African Air Transport Market in driving the aviation industry's growth and supporting the goals of the AfCFTA.