Africa’s airports are on the verge of a major transformation.
The African Union (AU) has unveiled a $30 billion plan to modernise airports and airspace systems across the continent over the next ten years.
Africa’s Airports Transformation
However, the project aims to make African aviation safer, more efficient, and better connected, while also advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The AU announced the plan at the 3rd Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda.
Funding And Growth
It allocates $10 billion for airport upgrades, $8 billion for advanced communication, navigation, and meteorological systems, and $12 billion to support reforms that attract private investment.
Furthermore, a joint study by the AU, AFCAC, ICAO, and World Bank predicts Africa needs $30 billion next decade.
Read Also: NCR Nigeria Returns To Profit On Forex Gains
The study also forecasts passenger traffic to surge from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050.
Modernisation And Sustainability
Moreover, to fund the initiative, the AU plans to combine $10 billion in public money with $20 billion from private and institutional investors.
Additionally, it will introduce digital systems such as A-CDM and SWIM and integrate renewable energy solutions into airports.
An AU official, Mataboge, highlighted aviation as a “key enabler of continental integration and economic transformation.”
In the end, the initiative promises to create a modern, safe, and sustainable aviation network that strengthens trade, connectivity, and Africa’s presence in global air transport.
