AFRAA prides itself in the partnership it has developed with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) which is bringing value to the air cargo sector of the airline industry. In line with AFRAA’s collaboration with TIACA, AFRAA made interventions in the TIACA Regional Symposium – Africa taking place from 19-21 June 2023 in Nairobi – Kenya.
AFRAA Director Government, Legal & Industry Affairs – Raphael Kuuchi, made a speech on behalf of the Secretary General and a presentation on AFRAA’s vision for African aviation which included focus areas on air cargo. The event was officiated by Hon Kipchumba Murkomen – the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Public Works of the Republic of Kenya.
Under the MoU, AFRAA and TIACA have committed to jointly work to develop cargo workforce capacity, advocate for market access and infrastructure development and facilitate cargo shipment as well as exchange cargo data. AFRAA looks forward to fruitful outcomes of this symposium that will give further impetus and clarity on the specific actions to be jointly pursued to develop cargo business in Africa.
AFRAA’s call to action made at the event hinged on the following:
- Airlines to do more through collaboration and partnerships to increase their cargo market share, which today is very small.
- Governments and airport authorities to build more cargo warehousing and allied capacity to support the anticipated growth in cargo in a SAATM and AfCFTA environment.
- Governments to do more to facilitate cargo movement by eliminating excessive bureaucracies and harmonizing customs regulations to make air shipment efficient and competitive.