The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is advancing continental integration and economic growth, reporting a 23% increase in connectivity and a GDP contribution exceeding $75B. The initiative, led by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), currently encompasses 38 participating states and 113 African airlines, facilitating a unified air transport market across Africa.

SAATM's structural transformation of the aviation sector is reflected in key operational metrics. The framework now supports 124 routes and has transported over 3M passengers. This expansion strengthens intra-African mobility, directly supporting trade, tourism, and regional integration objectives.

The macroeconomic impact of the liberalised skies extends beyond transport. The sector supports 8.1M jobs and recorded an annual trade impact of 2.8. Tourism travel reached 81M in 2025, underscoring aviation's role as critical infrastructure for Africa's economic development.

Political commitment remains a primary driver for SAATM's implementation. To date, 26 states have signed the Memorandum of Implementation (MOI), and 21 are participating in the SAATM PIP. This alignment supports the African Union Agenda 2063 framework for a fully integrated air transport market.

AFCAC continues to coordinate member states and harmonise regulatory frameworks to operationalise the unified market. Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC, emphasised that SAATM is redefining how Africa moves, trades, and grows as a single aviation market.

Stakeholders will convene to advance these objectives at the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026. The event is scheduled from 15 to 19 June 2026 in Lomé, Togo, featuring ministerial roundtables and policy dialogues to accelerate SAATM implementation.