“We have ourselves to blame” – AFRAA secretary general

African aviation stakeholders will only have themselves to blame for the lack of air service development in the continent, if the unwillingness in certain African countries to implement the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) remains. This was the hard-hitting message at the Routes Africa Strategy Forum from Nick Fadugba, secretary general of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

“If African countries and civil aviation authorities will not implement a legally binding instrument of the African Union, then we only have ourselves to blame,” he said.

“Network opportunities in Africa remain untapped and non-Africans are making money here yet in some parts of a continent the unwillingness towards YD remains,” Fadugba added.

Another weak point for air transport on the continent is lack of cooperation between aviation stakeholders, he said, warning African airlines that the mega carriers emerging in the EU and North Africa mean that better integration and cooperation is needed, if African airlines are to have any hope of competing effectively with these grouping.

“I urge African airlines to come together and consolidate so they can compete effectively. Without a stable and strong air transport system it will be difficult to promote sustainable economic growth and development in Africa.”

While partnerships, codeshares, mergers and operational agreements between African carriers will play a role, Fadugba said he wants to see cooperation beyond airlines themselves. “There is inadequate cooperation with civil aviation authorities, airports, tourism authorities and governments. Without cooperation progress will not happen.”

In closing Fadugba said: “We need to get our skates on. Now is the time for less taking and more action in Africa.”

Fadugba was speaking during the Routes Africa Strategy Forum, held in Swaziland on May 31. There are over 130 delegates at the annual African route networking event from 30 countries. More than 20 airlines are represented, including the likes of Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Qatar, Air France and Comair/Kulula.

Lucy Siebert

Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland