By Atoyebi Nike
The African Union (AU) has announced a $30 billion initiative to modernize airports and airspace systems across Africa over the next decade, aimed at strengthening connectivity and advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The plan was unveiled at the 3rd Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, according to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). It includes $10 billion for airport upgrades, $8 billion for communication and meteorological systems, and $12 billion for institutional reforms and private sector engagement.
A joint AU study with AFCAC, ICAO, and the World Bank projects Africa’s passenger traffic to rise from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050, underscoring the urgency for modernization.
The AU said the strategy will integrate digital and green technologies including Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) and System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Addressing delegates, AU official Mataboge described aviation as a “key enabler of continental integration and economic transformation,” linking the initiative to Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.
Once implemented, the plan is expected to transform African aviation into a modern, sustainable, and competitive network that drives trade, tourism, and economic growth.
