By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Transport and Aviation, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), successfully hosted the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Airshow on July 29-30, 2024, at the Lagoonda Conference Center, Mamba Point Hotel.
The event highlighted Sierra Leone’s strategic role within the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) of States, positioning it as a key player in the African aviation sector. The airshow served as a follow-up to the recent event held in Banjul, The Gambia, and focused on high-level engagements with state agencies for Transport, Tourism, Trade, and Finances, alongside the National Implementation Committee (NIC) and SAATM focal points.
Key Objectives and Benefits of the SAATM Airshow:
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The airshow emphasized the application of the Key Performance Indicator Tool to monitor and evaluate YD/SAATM implementation among the seven member states.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Advocacy meetings with stakeholders, including airports, airlines, ANSP, immigration, customs, revenue authorities, ground handling companies, tourism boards and ECOWAS, aimed to optimize SAATM implementation in terms of infrastructure, visa openness, trade facilitation, technology and digitalization.
- Operational and Technical Assistance: The event highlighted the operational and technical assistance required by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority to improve safety, security, environmental protection, air transport and other civil aviation areas for successful SAATM implementation.
The airshow also focused on removing impediments such as non-harmonization of application costs, non/late approval of carrier designations, high inspection costs, taxes, charges and fees, as well as passenger and cargo facilitation issues and other non-physical barriers.
The discussions centered on promoting partnerships, commercial collaborations like interlining and codeshare agreements, technical cooperation on spare parts, tools, personnel, tourism and the development of intra-Africa trade/cargo routes among African airlines.
Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance air transport in Africa through multilateral agreements and initiatives like the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Banjul Accord Group. She emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to eliminate barriers and enhance aviation’s role in Africa’s development.
Secretary General Adefunke Adeyemi, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to advance air transport across Africa further highlighting key multilateral agreements, including the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Banju Accord Group, which aim to harmonize civil aviation policies among member states and enhance international cooperation.
Togo was notably recognized for its role as a champion state for the Single African Air Transport Market, demonstrating the commitment of African leaders to multilateralism as a means to foster prosperity and peace in the region.
Adeyemi praised the “Banju Multinational Agreement,” which offers unlimited market access in line with YD provisions. She underscored the potential of air transport to stimulate tourism, trade and economic growth throughout the continent.
Referring to a 2021 study commissioned by the African Union and conducted by IATA, Adeyemi revealed that the full implementation of the YD and related liberalization initiatives could lead to significant benefits, including increased tourism, trade, employment and economic growth. She advocated for a multi-sectoral approach to overcoming barriers and enhancing aviation’s role in Africa’s development, involving sectors such as tourism, finance, customs and immigration.
In her closing remarks, Adeyemi urged all stakeholders—governments, airlines, airports, and navigation services—to work together in implementing the YD and other initiatives. She also congratulated the Republic of Sierra Leone for its remarkable progress in aviation safety, with its implementation rate rising from 14% to 72%. This achievement, she noted, reflects a dedicated effort to improve safety, connectivity, business growth, and job creation, ultimately transforming the prospects of Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister, delivered a keynote speech underscored the significance of the SAATM framework meetings in opening Sierra Leone’s skies to more African airlines, promoting innovation, technology and infrastructure as part of the Government’s Big Five agenda aligned with AU Agenda 2063.
Chief Minister, praised the initiative, which aims to liberalize civil aviation and boost economic integration across the continent. Currently, six of the eight airlines operating to and from Freetown are intra-African.
He highlighted the importance of the occasion, describing it as a pivotal step towards the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa. The Chief Minister emphasized that six out of the eight airlines operating to and from Freetown are intra-African, showcasing the country’s commitment to enhancing connectivity within the continent.
“Today marks a momentous occasion as we kick off the SAATM pilot project,” Dr. Sengeh stated. “This project is designed to advance the liberalization of civil aviation and increase economic integration across Africa. We believe that the economic challenges our continent faces can only be addressed through homegrown solutions and partnerships with our African brothers and sisters.”
Dr. Sengeh shared anecdotes illustrating the current inefficiencies in African air travel, such as passengers needing to detour through distant countries to reach nearby destinations. He stressed that these challenges highlight the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity, which the SAATM aims to address.
Underlining the Government’s dedication to technology and infrastructure, Dr. Sengeh noted, “The President is committed to promoting innovation and infrastructure. Recently, we have seen significant advancements in the aviation industry, aimed at connecting our people and opening up new opportunities for our citizens.”
The SAATM Framework aligns with the AU Agenda 2063, which Sierra Leone champions under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. This initiative is expected to boost air traffic, create jobs, promote social, economic, and political integration, and enhance intra-African trade and tourism.
Dr. Sengeh expressed gratitude for the investments and political will that have driven these developments. He acknowledged the contributions of the U.S., Turkey, and private investors, who have recognized the potential of Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
“We have made significant strides in our aviation safety and security ratings, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our Government and stakeholders,” Dr. Sengeh added. “Our President has demonstrated that we must leave no stone unturned to ensure the full implementation of the SAATM Framework.”
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to overcoming barriers in the aviation industry and fully implementing the SAATM Framework. He called on the African Airlines Association to take full advantage of this initiative, which promises to transform African aviation and improve the lives of people across the continent.
Dr. Sengeh highlighted the inefficiencies in current air travel routes and the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity. This effort supports the AU Agenda 2063 and is backed by significant international investment. The SAATM Framework is expected to enhance air traffic, create jobs and strengthen intra-African trade and tourism.
Sierra Leone remains dedicated to fully implementing the framework, with the goal of transforming African aviation and improving regional connectivity.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, announced the introduction of two new airlines set to commence operations in Sierra Leone, focusing initially on regional flights within West Africa and later expanding to international destinations like London.
Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation, welcomed the SAATM delegates and went on to express his honor at hosting the gathering in Sierra Leone, inviting attendees to experience the country’s warm hospitality and natural beauty, including its stunning white sandy beaches and wildlife, particularly the national animal, the chimpanzee.
He unveiled plans for two new airlines to commence operations in Sierra Leone. This significant development is expected to enhance the country’s aviation sector by providing flights to and from Sierra Leone, initially focusing on regional destinations such as Guinea, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Minister Turay also highlighted future plans for the airlines to expand their services beyond Africa, with London being a key international destination. This expansion aims to improve Sierra Leone’s global connectivity and accessibility. However, the Minister refrained from disclosing the names of the incoming airlines, noting that procedural steps, including approvals from both the cabinet and parliament, are still required before operations can commence.
He said Sierra Leone has a long-standing commitment to the liberalization of air transport on the continent, being a pioneering state of the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988 and the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1999. These initiatives aim to ease non-physical barriers to the movement of people goods, and services across Africa. The Aviation Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to the SAATM, a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, which seeks to create a single unified air transport market in Africa.
The Minister emphasized the importance of regulatory harmonization, citing the progress made by countries like Kenya and Ethiopia in aligning their aviation regulations. He also underscored the need for infrastructure development, revealing that the annual passenger at the Freetown International Airport has increased from 140,000 in 2017 to 220,000, following an ambitious project in partnership with the private company SUMMA.
In line with the Government’s commitment to diversifying the economy, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has been authorized to grant Fifth Freedom Rights to all African airlines upon application. This move is expected to enhance trade facilitation, job creation and overall economic growth.
Alhaji Fanday Turay highlighted the importance of market liberalization, safety and security standards, and the economic impact of a fully realized SAATM. He cited examples from across the continent, including the success of Ethiopian Airlines and the open skies agreement between South Africa and Namibia, as models for increasing flight frequencies and reducing airfares.
The Minister also addressed the need for capacity building and training, environmental sustainability, public-private partnerships and improving the overall passenger experience. He praised the Ethiopian Aviation Academy and the use of biofuels by South African Airways as exemplary initiatives.
He concluded his address by calling for effective policy frameworks and governance structures, and the promotion of multimodal transport networks to enhance connectivity. The Aviation Minister expressed confidence in the collective efforts of African nations to overcome challenges and seize opportunities presented by the SAATM, ultimately creating a more connected, competitive and prosperous Africa.
“Together, we can create a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Africa,” he said. “Thank you for your attention and I wish us all fruitful deliberations throughout this event. Once again, welcome to Sierra Leone, a home for all Africans.”
Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, extended a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the significance of the event in advancing air transport liberalization across Africa. She highlighted the commitment to accelerating air transport liberalization in Africa and the anticipated economic benefits of improved air connectivity.
“It is a true honor to deliver the welcome remarks for this all-important event and to welcome you all to the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM –PIP) Airshow in Freetown, Sierra Leone,” she stated. The Director General underscored the critical mission of improving connectivity and integration across the continent through this initiative.
Highlighting the importance of a united and connected Africa, Musayeroh Barrie affirmed that the dream is now a tangible reality within reach. “The wish for a united and connected Africa is no longer a dream but a tangible reality we can achieve by fully implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market,” she said, noting that the benefits extend far beyond the aviation sector.
She emphasized that improved air connectivity is expected to boost economies, create jobs and encourage investment as well as innovation throughout Africa. “Improved air connectivity is expected to boost our economies, create jobs for our people and encourage investment and innovation,” she reiterated.
Concluding her address with a call to action, she urged for commitment and collaboration to realize the full potential of a Single African Air Transport Market. “Let us therefore embark on this journey with commitment to collaboration and an unwavering determination to realizing the full potential of a Single African Air Transport Market. Together, we can transform the skies of Africa, bridge gaps, create opportunities and propel our continent towards a brighter, more connected future,” she asserted.
On the final day various personalities made presentations on specific topics followed by discussions.
The SAATM –PIP Airshow in Freetown marks a significant step towards a more integrated and prosperous Africa, driven by enhanced air transport connectivity.
The SAATM Airshow in Freetown was geared towards achieving a unified air transport market in Africa, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic integration across the continent. Sierra Leone’s commitment to SAATM reflects its dedication to improving its aviation sector and leveraging the benefits of greater regional cooperation and growth.
The event drew participation from high-profile figures, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, Heads of MDAs, representatives from international aviation organizations and other dignitaries, showcasing Sierra Leone’s leadership in the African aviation landscape.
