The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to convene important meetings from November 5-8, 2024, in Lomé, Togo, uniting aviation ministers, directors general of civil aviation, officials, and industry stakeholders to reshape the future of air travel in West Africa.
These meetings, following a directive from the 65th Heads of State Summit in July 2024, aim to tackle ongoing challenges in the aviation sector, with a focus on reducing operational costs and standardizing safety protocols to enhance regional connectivity and economic collaboration.
The sessions will commence with expert-level discussions from November 5-7, leading into a high-level ministerial session on November 8. Key topics will include regional strategies for the gradual reduction of aviation fees and taxes, as well as harmonized safety regulations.
These reforms are intended to make air travel more accessible and affordable, aligning with ECOWAS’ broader goal of promoting regional integration through improved connectivity, mobility, and trade.
According to a statement released by ECOWAS on November 2, 2024, assessments indicate that fees charged by airport operators, air navigation service providers, and civil aviation authorities, along with government-imposed taxes, have detrimental effects on the air transport industry and broader economic growth in ECOWAS member states.
These charges significantly hinder the competitiveness of regional airlines, which are already facing intense competition from international carriers.
As a result, West Africa’s aviation sector, currently one of the most costly on the continent, stands to gain immensely from these reforms.
Lowering air travel costs is expected to unlock new opportunities in tourism, education, healthcare, commerce, and other vital economic areas, while also facilitating the free movement of people, in line with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives.
With high expectations, the outcomes of the Lomé meetings will be pivotal for the upcoming December 2024 ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session and Heads of State and Governments Summit, where final strategies for cost reduction are anticipated to be adopted.
Stakeholders and member states are encouraged to participate actively to ensure a swift transition toward a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector.
