Malawi Joins Africa’s Single Air Transport Market, Strengthening Continental Connectivity
Malawi has officially become the 38th African nation to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), marking a significant step towards unifying the continent’s airspace and enhancing regional integration.
The signing ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, with Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Nancy Tembo, signing the Solemn Commitment in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.
SAATM, a key initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, seeks to create a seamless and competitive African air transport sector by eliminating restrictions and opening markets for airlines across the continent. This move is expected to lower airfares, boost trade and tourism, and foster economic growth in Malawi and beyond.
Minister Tembo emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “As Malawi becomes the 38th nation to join SAATM, we are reaffirming our commitment to a more connected and economically integrated Africa. This will open doors for enhanced trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.”
Dr. Abou-Zeid welcomed Malawi’s accession, urging other nations to follow suit. “Malawi’s decision is a major milestone in our pursuit of a unified and prosperous African air transport sector. We encourage other member states to join SAATM and unlock the full benefits of a single market,” she said.
The African Union has also been driving efforts to ensure sustainability in aviation through the Continental Strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), aimed at decarbonizing the industry. Additionally, safety remains a top priority, with the adoption of revised Abuja safety targets to strengthen Africa’s aviation standards.
Beyond air transport, the AU is prioritizing infrastructure development through 13 railway links under the African Integrated Railway Network, green and smart ports, and multimodal urban mobility systems that promote sustainable transport solutions.
With Malawi’s inclusion, SAATM is moving closer to its vision of a fully liberalized and interconnected African airspace, promising greater mobility, economic prosperity, and regional cooperation for the continent’s 1.5 billion people.
