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The Zambian government has called for increased intra-African air traffic through the liberalisation of African airspace, emphasizing its importance for regional integration and economic development.
Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali, stated that fostering competition in the aviation sector would lower flight costs, encouraging more travellers to use air transport within the continent.
Speaking in Congo Brazzaville during the Yamoussoukro Celebration, Tayali highlighted the need for African countries to exchange ideas and accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, the minister urged the African Union Commission (AUC), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and other stakeholders to continue their efforts to realise SAATM.
“On our part, we should forge ahead and embrace multi-sector collaboration to achieve our goal,” he said.
Tayali noted that Zambia was one of eight COMESA countries that have signed the solemn commitment to establish SAATM.
He expressed confidence that its implementation would enhance air connectivity across Africa and significantly contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development.
“As the old adage goes, ‘time is money.’ We will spend much less time traveling to each other’s capitals when the SAATM is fully implemented,” he added.
The Minister also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to advancing its aviation sector in line with Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a regional transport and logistics hub.
He highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including the modernisation of infrastructure, systems, and networks, as central to this effort.
Zambia has also been a leader in granting 5th Freedom Rights, enabling African airlines to operate within its airspace.
Additionally, Tayali announced that Zambia recently underwent a full-scale audit under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
The country achieved a preliminary effective implementation score of 73.48 percent, demonstrating the value of inter-state collaboration and support in aviation safety.
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