Air transport in Africa could be a powerful multiplier of growth, underpin regional trade, and fuel skilled job creation.
Issue Brief
August 20, 2026 • 2:07 pm ET
Tom Bonsundy-O’Bryan
Bottom lines up front
Africa is home to just 2 percent of global air traffic; flights within the continent are notoriously expensive, with limited routes between major markets.African governments have the power to lower costs and connect countries that remain cut off from each other.Aviation reform is one of the highest-return, lowest-cost interventions to drive trade, growth, and jobs in Africa.
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