The International Air Transport Association (Iata) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost the aviation sector in Africa.
“The aviation sector is especially important as it opens up doors to investors; very few invest where it’s difficult to travel to,” said AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina. “We must make regional aviation markets competitive and drive down costs, raise efficiencies and improve connectivity and convenience.”
According to Iata, the industry is forecast to grow at nearly 6% per year over the next 20 years.
Through the agreement, the organisations committed to create and implement programmes and projects aimed atbuilding a safe, secure and efficient aviation industry. They also agreed to technical cooperation for capacity building.
Priority areas will include improved connectivity, safety and aviation infrastructure.
“The MoU with the AfDB will help facilitate the growth and development of Africa’s aviation industry,” added Iatadirector general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
