The International Air Transport Association has projected that Africa’s aviation sector will grow at an average annual rate of 4.1 per cent over the next 20 years, with the market expected to double in size by 2044.

The forecast was revealed by Somas Appavou, IATA’s Regional Director for External Affairs in Africa, in a press release published Wednesday on the association’s website.

IATA noted that the continent’s aviation industry currently contributes $75 billion to GDP and supports 8.1 million jobs, highlighting its role as a key driver of economic and social development.

“Africa’s aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing USD 75 billion to GDP and supporting 8.1 million jobs. The continent’s aviation market is projected to grow at 4.1 per cent over the next 20 years, doubling by 2044,” Appavou stated.

IATA emphasized that Africa’s projected aviation growth can only be realized if governments establish stronger policy frameworks that foster investment and enhance connectivity.

The association stressed the need to address the structural challenges hindering the sector, cautioning against treating aviation primarily as a revenue source through excessive charges and restrictive regulations.

The press release identified three priority areas requiring urgent action, starting with aviation safety.

IATA urged African states to close persistent safety gaps by fully implementing the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices.

Although safety performance in Africa has improved over time, the continent still falls short of global standards.

IATA noted that effective implementation of ICAO standards averages 59.49 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to the global average of 69.16 per cent, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory oversight and more robust accident investigation processes.

The second priority, according to IATA, is the high cost of air travel in Africa. The association highlighted that taxes and charges levied on airlines and passengers across the continent are approximately 15 per cent higher than the global average, posing a significant barrier to growth and affordability.

IATA cautioned that excessive costs suppress passenger demand and hinder the broader economic benefits of aviation, such as trade, tourism, and job creation. The association advocated for a collaborative approach with industry stakeholders to develop efficient, scalable infrastructure that promotes traffic growth rather than stifling it with heavy fees.

The third critical issue is the problem of blocked airline revenues.

IATA disclosed that as of May 2025, $1 billion in airline funds is trapped in 26 African countries—accounting for 73% of all blocked airline revenues globally.

These restrictions, the association noted, often compel airlines to reduce flight frequencies or suspend routes altogether, weakening connectivity and disrupting trade and investment across the continent.