Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
The 33rd Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference, held at Acsa’s International Indaba Conference Centre, concluded with a renewed commitment to enhancing partnerships aimed at fostering growth in Africa’s aviation industry. The event attracted 365 delegates, including 50 African airport CEOs, and focused on enhancing connectivity through collaboration and cooperation to boost operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
Participants engaged in discussions underscoring the aviation industry’s vital role as a catalyst for socio-economic development. Airports were recognized as essential facilitators of trade and economic growth at both national and regional levels. By improving air links among African countries, stakeholders can promote intra-African trade, strengthen regional cooperation, and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Collaboration is Key to Africa’s Aviation Growth
Emanuel Chaves, president of ACI Africa, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Our industry’s success hinges on our ability to work together, to innovate together, and to overcome obstacles together. Together, we can unlock the full potential of aviation in Africa, driving our industry towards a future of excellence, sustainability, resilience, and prosperity.”
Adding to this, Ali Tounsi, secretary-general of ACI Africa, remarked, “In today’s highly interconnected world, collaboration is key. By pooling resources and expertise, airports, airlines, regulatory bodies, and aviation stakeholders can drive innovation, improve safety and security, enhance passenger experiences, and embed sustainable practices in aviation.”
During a panel discussion featuring African airport CEOs, Acsa CEO Mpumi Mpofu highlighted the need for diversified service offerings to benefit the continent. She noted the great potential for developing more airports and emphasized Acsa’s role in assisting various African nations in airport development, including operations in Ghana, Liberia, and Zambia. “This enables us to offer our skills and services to ensure reliable, safe, and well-capitalized airports across the continent,” she added.
The conference concluded with several resolutions aimed at enhancing cooperation among African states to achieve the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Key resolutions included:
- Embracing Collaboration: Breaking down silos and fostering cross-border cooperation among stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency.
- Achieving SAATM Goals: Aligning national policies with the SAATM framework to create a seamless air transport environment across Africa.
- Innovating Together: Promoting a culture of innovation within airports and the aviation sector to address challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Building robust partnerships among governments, airlines, airport authorities, and private sector players to drive sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
The conference also emphasized the need to expedite the adoption of new technologies in airport management, focusing on improving efficiency, security, and passenger experience. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and automation are expected to stimulate growth in the aviation sector, benefiting airport management companies, travelers, and traders alike.
Recognizing climate change as a global priority, ACI Africa Conference delegates sought to create pathways for the continent’s aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint. Among various initiatives, African airports are committed to developing green spaces and wildlife habitats within their premises to support biodiversity and act as carbon sinks. Additional efforts to minimize the environmental impact of aviation operations include adopting green aviation fuels, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing carbon offset programs.
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