AFRAA participates at the Capacity-Strengthening Workshop on SAATM Corrective Action Plans, 3-5 February, Nairobi – Kenya
AFRAA Secretary General, Mr Abderahmane Berthé, participated and made an intervention at the capacity-building workshop to assist States in implementing corrective action plans based on SAATM KPI audits in Nairobi, Kenya from 3–5 February 2026.
The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of audited States to finalise, implement, and monitor their Corrective Action Plans. The workshop also facilitated knowledge sharing, including lessons learned from the implementation of the Banjul Accord Group Multilateral Air Service Agreement (BAG-MASA).
In his opening remarks, Mr Berthé highlighted that Africa does not lack demand for air transport. Africa currently accounts for about 2.1% of global air traffic and 2% of world cargo share, despite our population size, geographic scale, and growing trade ambitions. Yet the long-term outlook is clear: African air traffic is projected to grow by approximately 4% per year between 2018 and 2050.
“The policy question for Member States is not whether Africa will grow, but who will capture that growth—African carriers and economies, or external competitors”, he remarked.
As per AFRAA data in January 2026, in international markets (regional and intercontinental), non-African airlines carry 50.8% of traffic, compared with 49.2% for African Airlines. In the intercontinental market, non-African airlines carry 67.1% of traffic, compared with 32.9% for African Airlines.
Mr Berthé stated: “We continue to face gaps between commitment and implementation. Liberalisation under the Yamoussoukro Decision and SAATM must be treated as an economic competitiveness strategy, not merely an aviation policy commitment. Currently, 3rd and 4th Freedoms account for 78% of connectivity capacity while 5th Freedom accounts for only 22%.”
“SAATM is not about “opening skies” blindly—it is about building a competitive African aviation ecosystem. When implementation is delayed, the cost is paid by airlines, passengers, and ultimately by African economies.” He remarked.
Signing the solemn commitment is progress, but implementation delivers:
- connectivity
- lower fares
- trade and tourism growth
- jobs and skills
- stronger African airlines
For African airlines, beyond the policy debate, SAATM is an operational requirement. It affects airlines’ ability to open routes, plan networks with confidence, exercise traffic rights predictably, and offer affordable air travel to African citizens.
“Without effective market access, Africa will continue to generate demand but lose value, including jobs, connectivity, and foreign exchange. The SAATM KPI framework provides clarity and objectivity. The audits provide evidence. But evidence alone does not change markets. Change occurs when findings are translated into clear corrective actions and progress is tracked consistently over time.” Mr Berthé said.
Successful liberalisation requires alignment between States and airlines. Regulations must be transparent, predictable, and consistently applied. At the same time, airlines must operate safely, responsibly, and competitively within that framework. AFRAA recommends that SAATM go hand in hand with:
- Regional Integration
- Free Movement of People
- Collaboration with AfCFTA
Mr Berthé emphasised the importance of peer learning. The experience of the Banjul Accord Group Multilateral Air Service Agreement shows that regional liberalisation can deliver tangible results when implementation is pragmatic, cooperative, and sustained. “There are valuable lessons for SAATM, and I encourage open exchange among participants.” Mr Berthé remarked.
Mr Berthé reaffirmed AFRAA’s commitment to:
- Supporting the implementation of SAATM,
- Facilitating structured dialogue between States and airlines,
- Providing operational and market data to inform policy decisions, and
- Advocating for a balanced regulatory environment that promotes connectivity, competition, and sustainability.
Mr Berthé commended the Economic Commission for Africa, as Secretariat of the Yamoussoukro Decision Monitoring Body, AFCAC, for its continued technical leadership as Executing Agency.
“AFRAA remains committed to working with ECA, AFCAC and the AUC to sustain SAATM momentum and to ensure that the concerns of African airlines are addressed.” he concluded.
The YD Monitoring Body is mandated to oversee and evaluate YD implementation. To ensure a consistent monitoring methodology, ECA funded the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess State and airline compliance with YD provisions and associated regulatory instruments.
The workshop covered:
- A review of State status of the implementation of YD;
- Individual State presentations of YD/SAATM KPI audit reports;
- Individual State presentations of YD/SAATM KPI audit Corrective Action Plans and Next steps;
- Update on YD/SAATM Regulatory framework with a focus on DSM/AFCAC Model BASA; and
- Online application of the YD/SAATM Monitoring system