The African Union (AU) has announced a $30 billion initiative to rebuild and modernize Africa’s aviation infrastructure, aiming to close decades-old gaps and boost regional connectivity.
The plan was unveiled by H.E. Lerato D. Mataboge, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, during the III Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, Angola, Business Insider Africa reported.
The investment marks one of the continent’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure efforts and is intended to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a key project under Agenda 2063 designed to create a unified, liberalized air transport market.
“Aviation is not merely a mode of transport,” Mataboge said. “It is a strategic engine of continental integration and a core enabler of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA. The Single African Air Transport Market will only succeed if we build the modern, safe, and efficient infrastructure that Africa’s growth demands.”
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The $30 billion target stems from a Continental Aviation Infrastructure Gap Analysis conducted with the African Civil Aviation Commission, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the World Bank, which found Africa requires $25–30 billion over the next decade to meet projected aviation demand.
Passenger traffic is expected to rise from roughly 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050, driven by an expanding middle class, increased trade under the AfCFTA, and growing regional connectivity.
The AU plan allocates $10 billion to airport and aerodrome infrastructure, including runway expansions, terminal modernization, and new regional airports, and $8 billion to upgrading communication, navigation, and meteorological systems.
To fund the initiative, the AU aims to leverage $10 billion in public financing from African governments, development partners, and multilateral institutions to attract an additional $20 billion in private sector investment, using a blended financing model to de-risk projects.
Advanced aviation technologies, including Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) and System-Wide Information Management (SWIM), will improve operational efficiency, while projects are designed to meet global green standards, reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, and attract climate-focused capital.
“As we modernize African skies, we are doing so sustainably,” Mataboge said.
The Luanda summit brought together government officials, airline executives, and development partners, emphasizing a collaborative approach to enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth, and advancing regional integration across Africa.
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Image Credit: Reuters
