The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is looking at strategies to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The Authority is planning to host a roadshow in the country in order to familiarise stakeholders as well as to facilitate discussions on integration strategies and best practices.
“The SAATM Roadshow convenes stakeholders, officials, industry leaders, experts, and media for insightful discussions, presentations, and networking. This platform will share insights, best practices, and strategies to expedite SAATM implementation in Namibia and across Africa,” Executive Director of NCAA Toska Sem said.
According to Sem, the two-day flagship event set for 21 and 22 September shows Namibia’s commitment to enhancing collaboration and aviation connectivity.
Namibia officially joined 35 other African countries by being a signatory to the agreement in January this year.
The countries, namely; Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Zambia, resolved to launch the SAATM.
When fully implemented, the scheme is expected to see a 27% reduction in air fares, create close to 600,000 jobs and add US$4.2 billion to the continent’s gross domestic product.
“SAATM aims to reshape Africa’s aviation landscape, spurring economic growth, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange through an integrated airspace. As a key participant, Namibia is taking proactive steps to amplify air travel harmonisation and unlock its aviation sector’s potential,” Sem explained.
He said the launch of SAATM in 2018 was the first project of the African Union Agenda 2063 and is considered as a turning point towards the full liberalisation of the air transport market on the continent.
The SAATM initiative, led by the African Union (AU) and the African Civil Aviation Commission, aims to create a unified airspace thereby driving intra-African connectivity, economic growth, and tourism.
