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Africa’s potential is too often underestimated. Few appreciate that the continent possesses some of the world’s largest freshwater reserves, the greatest expanse of uncultivated arable land, abundant mineral wealth and a rapidly growing pool of human capital.
Yet despite these advantages, Africa remains unduly reliant on external assistance. With deeper economic integration and stronger intra-African trade, the continent has the market scale to become one of the world’s most prosperous regions.
Poor connectivity is perhaps the principal reason Africa remains an economic laggard. The continent’s road and rail networks are chronically underdeveloped, making it difficult to move goods and resources efficiently across borders to where they are most needed.
Yet building the necessary infrastructure is a costly protracted endeavour, often taking years to complete. In the interim, aviation serves as a vital substitute, bridging gaps in connectivity and facilitating movement of people and commerce.
