The Urgent Need to Implement SAATM for Sustainable African Aviation

Thirty years ago, African aviation ministers gathered in Yamoussoukro, C?te d'Ivoire, to forge a visionary framework for the continent’s air transport future. The 1988 Yamoussoukro Declaration laid the philosophical groundwork for an integrated aviation market, and a decade later, the Yamoussoukro Decision established concrete measures to liberalise air transport across Africa. Today, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Agreement, a flagship initiative under the African Union Agenda 2063, seeks to turn that vision into reality. Article 26 of the SAATM Agreement stipulates that the Agreement enters into force provisionally on the date of its signature and definitively once all Contracting Parties exchange instruments of ratification. This dual-phase entry-into-force mechanism is not merely a legal technicality; it embodies a collective commitment by African states to implement transformative policies that will reshape the continent’s aviation landscape.

A particularly commendable aspect of SAATM is its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, as delineated in Chapter Ten of the Agreement. This chapter establishes a comprehensive framework aimed at mitigating the environmental repercussions of civil aviation—a pressing concern in the context of climate change, air quality deterioration, and biodiversity loss.

Chapter Ten stipulates that environmental stewardship in aviation is not a peripheral issue but a central objective. It advocates for a balanced approach to managing aircraft noise by promoting the development of quieter aircraft technologies, implementing noise reduction procedures, and engaging in strategic land-use planning around airports. These initiatives are designed to minimise disturbances to communities residing near airports and to enhance local air quality. This approach reflects a profound understanding that economic advancement should not compromise public health or environmental integrity.

Furthermore, the chapter outlines strategies to enhance fuel efficiency and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. Given that aviation contributes approximately 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions—a figure projected to rise if unaddressed—SAATM's dedication to sustainable operational practices is both timely and essential. The Agreement encourages Member States to adopt market-based measures, such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and integrate satellite-based technologies for more efficient air traffic management. These measures aim not only to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation but also to position African aviation as a leader in sustainable development.

In essence, my admiration for SAATM stems from its forward-thinking environmental policies encapsulated in Chapter Ten. These policies harmoniously blend economic liberalisation with environmental responsibility, ensuring that the growth of Africa's aviation sector proceeds in a manner that safeguards the planet for future generations.

The imperative to operationalise SAATM is further accentuated by the ongoing environmental challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. While the aviation industry is pivotal for economic progress, it also significantly contributes to environmental issues. Aircraft noise, local air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions pose risks to human health and exacerbate global warming. Projections indicate that aviation emissions could grow by 3-4% annually without effective mitigation strategies. In this context, SAATM offers a platform for African nations to uniformly adopt international best practices, thereby collectively reducing the environmental impact of aviation.

The urgent need to operationalise SAATM is needed in the wake of the triple planetary crisis encompassing climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. The aviation sector, while critical for economic development, contributes significantly to environmental challenges. Aircraft noise, local air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions affect human health and exacerbate global warming. Current estimates place aviation emissions at about two percent of global carbon dioxide output, with annual growth projections of three to four percent if mitigating measures are not urgently implemented. In response, international bodies such as ICAO have adopted robust policies for noise abatement, fuel efficiency improvements, and market-based measures like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). For Africa, operationalising SAATM offers an opportunity to adopt these international best practices uniformly across the continent, thereby reducing environmental impacts through coordinated action.

Beyond environmental imperatives, the operationalisation of SAATM holds the promise of catalysing economic growth and regional integration. Africa, home to over 1.5 billion people, has long struggled with fragmented air transport markets that hinder intra-continental connectivity. Intra-African trade remains modest when compared to the continent’s vast potential—current estimates suggest that intra-African trade accounts for only 17–20 percent of total trade, a figure that could increase dramatically with improved connectivity. By eliminating restrictive bilateral air service agreements and harmonising regulatory standards, SAATM can lower airfares, increase flight frequencies, and open up new routes. This would not only boost passenger volumes but also enhance the movement of goods, thereby facilitating the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

AfCFTA is designed to promote the free movement of goods and services across African borders, reduce trade barriers, and stimulate economic cooperation. The free movement of persons complements these goals by enabling workers, tourists, and business travellers to move seamlessly between countries. When combined with SAATM, these initiatives can create a powerful synergy: a unified aviation market supports faster, cheaper, and more reliable air travel, which in turn enhances trade flows and economic integration. For instance, increased air connectivity can reduce transit times, improve supply chain efficiency, and open up remote regions for economic development.

The integration of air transport markets through SAATM also facilitates the efficient implementation of environmental policies. A harmonised market enables African states to share best practices and adopt cutting-edge technologies such as satellite-based air navigation systems, which can optimise flight paths and reduce fuel burn. More direct flight routes lead to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, with a unified regulatory framework, member states can better enforce standards related to aircraft noise and air quality, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

In addition to economic and environmental benefits, operationalising SAATM will strengthen legal and institutional frameworks across the continent. Article 26 of the Agreement sets a clear legal pathway by requiring all Contracting Parties to exchange instruments of ratification. This process not only guarantees that each state has met its constitutional requirements but also fosters a spirit of shared accountability. Once fully operational, the SAATM Agreement will serve as the backbone of a single, integrated aviation market that supports sustainable development, enhances safety and security, and promotes efficient resource allocation. It will also pave the way for better collaboration with international organisations like ICAO and UNECA, which provide technical and financial assistance to help member states implement best practices in environmental protection.

Moreover, the operationalisation of SAATM is intrinsically linked to the broader agenda of continental integration. Initiatives such as AfCFTA, the African Passport, and protocols on the free movement of people and goods are all part of a concerted effort to create a more unified Africa. When air transport markets are integrated, the benefits extend well beyond aviation: they permeate various sectors of the economy by enabling smoother trade, reducing transportation costs, and fostering regional cooperation. For many African countries, a fully operational SAATM Agreement would represent a significant leap forward—a move from isolated national markets to a vibrant, interconnected continental economy.

In conclusion, the operationalisation of the SAATM Agreement is not simply a policy choice; it is a necessary step toward realising the vision first articulated in Yamoussoukro three decades ago. By fulfilling the requirements of Article 26 and moving from provisional to definitive entry into force, African states can unlock the immense economic, environmental, and social benefits of an integrated air transport market. With the combined forces of SAATM, AfCFTA, and initiatives promoting the free movement of persons and goods, Africa has the potential to transform its aviation sector into a modern, sustainable engine of growth and integration. In an era marked by a triple planetary crisis, the time to act is now, and operationalising SAATM is the critical next step in building a resilient, united, and sustainable future for African aviation and beyond.