African leaders convene in Addis Ababa to advance aviation connectivity and integration

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Policymakers and industry leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa for the 2nd Ethiopian Aviation Forum to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s aviation logistics ecosystem and advancing continental connectivity.

Delivering the opening address, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Lerato Mataboge, emphasized the critical role of air transport in driving regional integration and economic growth under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.

She noted that the forum comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, stressing that decisions taken now will determine whether aviation can serve as a catalyst for Africa’s long-term transformation.

The forum is focusing on key areas essential to the growth of the aviation industry, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), airfreight and logistics, aviation technology, and sustainable aviation fuel.

High-level participation includes Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, Chairman of the Ethiopian Aviation Forum Yinnesu Admassie, and Boeing Africa Managing Director Henock Teferra, alongside other stakeholders from across the sector.

Discussions are expected to translate policy priorities into actionable solutions, with contributions from industry bodies such as the African Airlines Association.

The African Union Commission reaffirmed its commitment to aligning aviation sector development with broader continental infrastructure initiatives, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), as part of efforts to enhance connectivity, competitiveness, and economic integration across the continent.