COMESA and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Zambia, through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), hosted the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project Airshow in Lusaka. Zambia, Themed “Acceleration of Air Transport Liberalization in Africa, to Improve Continental Connectivity and Integration.” 

The event brought together aviation stakeholders to explore the benefits of SAATM implementation and liberalization, and was graced by Transport and Logistics Minister, Hon. Frank Tayali, who highlighted Zambia’s readiness to handle growing air traffic, pointing to ongoing airport upgrades and the introduction of cargo handling services designed to strengthen connectivity and maximize the benefits of the air transport market.

COMESA’s Assistant Secretary General Finance, Dr. Dev Haman, emphasized the role of air transport as a driver of economic growth, trade, and regional integration, noting that the sector generates about $63 billion in economic activity and supports over 7 million jobs across Africa. “Without an efficient and reliable air transport system, many of us would not be here today, and intra-African trade currently at only 15% of total African trade would remain constrained.” He Spoke. 

AFCAC Secretary General, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, during her remarks expressed, “Today’s meeting is about more than aviation policy. It is about unlocking Africa’s integration, connecting cities and communities, facilitating trade and tourism, and enabling the free movement of people, goods, and ideas. SAATM is a flagship of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and a vision the EU fully supports.”  She also commended Zambia’s leadership in positioning itself as a regional air transport hub, noting its early adoption of SAATM as a clear commitment to advancing continental connectivity and integration, by being among the first eleven countries to sign the solemn commitment to SAATM. 

The European Union Delegation to Zambia, led by Massimo Bonannini, highlighted the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project as a catalyst for Africa’s integration, with the potential to boost connectivity, trade, tourism, and the free movement of people and goods.

Over the past 15 years, the EU has contributed more than EUR 8 million to Zambia’s aviation sector, as support in strengthening capacity, safety, and regulatory frameworks while being instrumental in policy and institutional development.