Raphael Oni
In a bold move to make air travel more accessible and affordable, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is hosting a crucial series of meetings in Lomé, Togo, from November 5-8, 2024. This gathering brings together Aviation Ministers, Directors-General of civil aviation, officials, and industry stakeholders to tackle the high cost of air transport and travel tickets in West Africa ¹.
The meetings are a direct response to the 65th Heads of State Summit held in July 2024, where leaders recognized the need to address persistent challenges in the aviation sector. Expert-level consultations will take place from November 5-7, laying the groundwork for a high-level ministerial session on November 8.
Key issues on table for the participants includes; reducing aviation fees and taxes to make air travel more affordable,harmonizing safety measures to improve regional connectivity and economic cooperation, increasing mobility and trade through reduced air travel costs
ECOWAS assessments reveal that the region’s air transport industry faces severe negative impacts due to charges levied by airport operators, air navigation service providers, and civil aviation authorities, as well as taxes imposed by governments ¹. These costs hinder the competitiveness of regional airlines, making it difficult for them to survive amidst fierce competition from foreign carriers.
reducing air travel costs, ECOWAS aims to unlock opportunities in; boosting travel and exploration within the region, enhancing student mobility and exchange programs, improving access to medical services and expertise,trengthening regional trade and economic cooperation
These reforms align with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) frameworks, promoting the free movement of people and goods.
The outcomes of the Lomé meeting will be pivotal for the December 2024 ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session and Heads of State and Governments Summit, where final cost reduction strategies are expected to be adopted. Stakeholders and member states are urged to engage actively, ensuring the region moves swiftly toward a more competitive and sustainable aviation sector.
