The launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) at the weekend is expected to create 300 000 direct and two million indirect jobs according to African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid.
“With preparations continuing on schedule, the launch of the SAATM will spur more opportunities to promote trade [and] cross-border investments in the service industries (including tourism) resulting in the creation of an additional 300 000 direct and two million indirect jobs,” she said.
Abou-Zeid noted that this would also contribute to the integration and socio-economic growth of the continent.
She also urged African countries to open their skies as only 23 out of 55 African countries have subscribed to the SAATM.
Abou-Zeid pointed out that a Single African Air Transport Market would enhance the connectivity and efficiency of air services.
“As the first of 12 AU Agenda 2063 flagship projects to be launched, the implementation of SAATM will pave the way for other flagship projects [such] as the African passport, the Continental Free Trade Area and enable the free movement of people,” she added.
